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Raúl and Putin hold official talks
Army
General Raúl Castro Ruz, President of the Councils
of State and Ministers, on July 11, held official
talks with the Honorable Vladímir Vladímirovich
Putin, President of the Russian Federation, on an
official visit to the country.
During the fraternal meeting, Raúl and Putin
reaffirmed the excellent state of bilateral
relations, reiterating their commitment to fulfill
the Bilateral Economic Agenda 2012-2020 and expand
cooperation in education, science and technology,
culture and sports. They additionally discussed the
prospects for Russian investment in Cuba and
increasing the number of Russian tourists visiting
the island. The two leaders also addressed current
international issues.
The
distinguished guest was accompanied by several
Russian ministers, including Serguei Lavrov, of
Foreign Affairs; Denis Manturov, of Commerce and
Industry; Verónica Skvostsova, Health; and Alexander
Novak, of Energy; as well as Igor Sechin, president
of the oil company Rosneft; Mikhail L. Kamynin,
Russia’s ambassador in Cuba; and other members of
the delegation.
On
the Cuban side, participating were First Vice
President Miguel Díaz-Canel; Ricardo Cabrisas Ruiz,
a Council of Ministers vice president; Bruno
Rodríguez Parrilla and Rodrigo Malmierca Díaz,
ministers of Foreign Relations and Foreign Trade and
Investment, respectively; and Emilio Lozada García,
Cuban ambassador in Russia; among other government
officials.
Following the meeting, President Raúl Castro awarded
President Putin the Order of José Martí, the
nation’s highest decoration.
The
two leaders subsequently attended the signing
ceremony for 10 new bilateral agreements.
At
the conclusion of the day, Raúl accompanied
President Putin to Havana’s José Martí International
Airport, and bid him farewell.
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