An increase in Russian collaboration with Cuba, with large projects planned, was announced by Vladímir V. Putin, President of the Russian Federation, speaking at a press conference with Raúl Castro Ruz, President of Cuba’s Council of State and Ministers, after the signing of 10 important new bilateral agreements.

Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez accompanied President Putin to the José Martí Memorial, in Havana’s Plaza de la Revolución, where the visiting leader placed a floral wreath. Also in attendance was Russian Foreign Minister Serguei Lavrov. Photo: Jorge Luis González

Putin emphasized that his country will continue to support Cuba in its struggle against the illegal and illegitimate blockade imposed by the United States for over 50 years, and thanked Cubans for the cordial hospitality offered during the Russian delegation’s visit, and the excellent environment which facilitated joint work, PL reported.

Speaking in the Palace of the Revolution July 11, the Russian President said that planned are large, comprehensive projects which will expand cooperation between the two countries in such key areas as energy and health.

He referred to the decision made by his government to cancel 90% of the debt Cuba has owed Russia since the Soviet era, which had reached some 35 billion dollars, according to AIN.

President Raúl Castro awarded President Putin the José Martí Order, the highest decoration presented by the Republic of Cuba. Photo: Estudio Revolución.

The other 10% will be invested in Cuba, Putin added, recalling that joint efforts have been planned through 2020.

These investments were agreed upon during the 10th meeting of the Inter-governmental Commission for Economic-Commercial and Scientific-Technical Collaboration, held in 2012.

Cuban President Raúl Castro also spoke with the press following the signing ceremony, recalling that Cuba’s debt to Russia grew as a result of the "USSR’s decisive aid," adding, "It was generous aid, without which, we can be sure, the Revolution would not have been able to persevere."

"After so many years, that the current government of Russia would forgive 90% of this debt, and that the remaining 10% - around 3.5 billion - would be invested in Cuba, once again demonstrates the great, palpable generosity of the Russian people toward Cuba," PL reported.

The Russian President visited the Soviet Internationalist Soldiers Monument, where he placed a floral wreath during a commemorative ceremony, in the company of President Raúl Castro, paying his respects to the 68 soldiers who fell in combat or died in Cuba 1962-1964, whose remains rest at the site, a symbolic reminder of the fraternal ties uniting the two countries. Photo: Estudio Revolución.

He thanked the Russian government and people for the decision to cancel a large portion of Cuba’s debt and expressed confidence in the future growth and strengthening of ties between the two countries, saying, "We wish to express our gratitude to the people and government of Russia for this accords, and for the decisions President Vladímir Putin has announced."

Raúl also commented that events which took place in the Soviet Union, during the 1990’s, left the world power off balance, and that, as of 2000, Russia began to recuperate strength in the international arena, the effects of which are currently being noted, first on a global scale, and now in the relations of a new kind which Cuba maintains with the people and government.

"We are very pleased that, in the international arena, we agree with the firm, intelligent policy currently being implemented, as we see it, by Russia," the Cuban President stated, adding that he expected this level of agreement to continue, in a new stage of international relations.

President Raúl Castro accompanied the Russian President to José Martí International Airport, from which Putin departed to continue his Latin American tour. Photo: Estudio Revolución.

The Russian President arrived in Havana during the early morning hours and began his day with a visit to the Soviet Internationalist Soldiers Monument, where he placed a floral wreath during a commemorative ceremony, in the company of President Raúl Castro.

The distinguished guest paid tribute to the 68 soldiers and officers who fell in combat or died in Cuba 1962-1964, whose remains rest at the site constructed in 1978, a symbolic reminder of the fraternal ties shared by the two countries.

The ceremony featured a commemorative march by a Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR) unit, and was attended additionally by Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, and Army General Álvaro López Miera, deputy minister of the FAR and decorated Hero of the Republic.

Later in the day, Bruno Rodríguez accompanied President Putin to the José Martí Memorial, in Havana’s Plaza de la Revolución, where the visiting leader paid his respects with a floral wreath.