The Chairman of the State Duma stressed that “Cuba is more than just a strategic partner” for Russia.
“Russia and Cuba have
special relations. These relations have gone through the most difficult times. We
believe that this is the right cooperation that should be between friends,”
said Vyacheslav Volodin
Vyacheslav Victorovich
The Chairman of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation of the eighth convocation. Elected in single mandate constituency № 163 (Saratov constituency - Saratov Oblast)
.
He recalled that that was the second meeting with President of Cuba in 2022 and expressed confidence that his visit would contribute positively to the development of inter-parliamentary cooperation.
“We are convinced that, despite the great distance between our countries, we should meet more often and communicate more. A dialogue would help to develop not only more trust, but also provide opportunities to discuss new projects, develop relations between the countries in the interests of our nations,” added the Chairman of the State Duma.
He noted the fact that Cuba had been living in the sanctions conditions for a long time, just like Russia.
“For us, Cuba is a symbol of the struggle for independence, struggle for self-determination of the people, for the opportunity to live in peace, preserving its traditions, culture, language, way of life,” stressed the Chairman of the State Duma.
Strengthening and developing Russia-Cuba cooperation
The President of Cuba Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez thanked Russia for its long-standing support during the sanctions times and its help provided to deal with the after-effects of the natural disasters.
“We welcome all Russia’s efforts aimed at preserving a multipolar order in the world. We condemn the unilateral coercive sanctions that the USA and the Western impose against Russia; we consider such restrictive measures unfair. And once again we would like to reaffirm that Russia can always count on Cuba,” he said.
The President of Cuba added that the meeting at the State Duma “makes it possible to continue to discuss issues that we raised earlier”.
Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez noted “a high level of political dialogue between Russia and Cuba, including at the level of parliaments”.
“I think it is very positive that even in the most difficult COVID moments, within the tightening of all sanctions both against Russia and Cuba, we have managed to maintain a high level of cooperation, exchanges both at the bilateral and parliamentary level,” he said.
The President of Cuba said that Esteban Lazo Hernández, President of the National Assembly of People's Power of Cuba, would visit Russia in the near future.
“We take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank for all the contibution of the inter-parliamentary friendship group in the development of our relations,” he said.
Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez emphasized that during a difficult historical phase Cuba and Russia “were able to learn certain lessons”: “We have learned that, despite the most difficult circumstances, we can find innovative ways and formulasto further develop our cooperation”.
He thanked Russia for providing support to Cuba in its fight against the embargo, he also mentioned the statements adopted by the State Duma.
The issues of development of tourism and educational cooperation were also discussed at the meeting.
