Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –
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The 23rd meeting of the Intergovernmental Russian-Cuban Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation (IGC) was held in St. Petersburg. It was chaired by the IGC's co-chairs, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Dmitry Chernyshenko and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment of the Republic of Cuba Oscar Pérez-Oliva Fraga.
The parties discussed key areas of bilateral cooperation in the fields of economics, industry, agriculture, tourism, education, sports, and more. Furthermore, Dmitry Chernyshenko, along with Oscar Pérez-Oliva Fraga and St. Petersburg Governor Alexander Beglov, viewed a photo exhibition dedicated to the history of partnership and friendship between Russia and Cuba. It opened at the Presidential Library during a meeting of the intergovernmental commission.
The Russian Deputy Prime Minister noted that Cuba remains a reliable partner and ally of Russia in Latin America and globally. Relations between the two countries are based on deep historical experience, mutual respect and trust, and close friendly ties. In 2026, the centenary of the birth of Fidel Castro, the leader of the Cuban Revolution, will be celebrated. Events will be held in Russia and Cuba to commemorate this outstanding statesman and political figure. Dmitry Chernyshenko also noted the trusting and constructive bilateral political dialogue between the countries at all levels, including the highest.
"Following the agreements between our presidents, Vladimir Putin and Miguel Díaz-Canel, we continue to develop cooperation in all areas. Amid the crisis in Cuba's energy sector, Russia continues to provide support and humanitarian aid. A long-awaited oil tanker recently arrived at the Cuban port of Matanzas. It is named after the distinguished Soviet and Russian legal scholar Anatoly Kolodkin. We hope this assistance will ensure the operation of the country's critical social infrastructure, particularly the healthcare system, hospitals, schools, facilities that support the country's vital activities, and, of course, the homes of the island's residents," said the Deputy Prime Minister.
According to him, the IPC's performance results for 2025 include a 20% increase in imports from Cuba, progress on the joint project to enhance oil recovery at the Boca de Jaruco field, the launch of shipments of Russian GAZ, UAZ, KAMAZ, and Lada vehicles, with over 230 units of machinery and equipment exported to the island over the past two years, and the delivery of approximately 6 tons of substances for pharmaceutical production. Furthermore, as part of the bilateral cooperation, vehicle kits are being shipped for the UAZ vehicle assembly line launched in 2025 at the Cuban EISA facility.
"In 2026, we plan to resume GAZ vehicle assembly and open a sales outlet in Cuba. In the near future, we plan to begin implementing a project to establish a taxi fleet in Havana in cooperation with the Moscow government. For this purpose, the Russian side will donate 50 Moskvich vehicles," added Dmitry Chernyshenko.
In the agro-industrial sector, the government is exploring the possibility of implementing projects for the production of flour and animal feed, with approximately 90 Russian enterprises already interested in supplying meat, dairy, and fish products to Cuba.
The Deputy Prime Minister also emphasized that tourism, cultural exchanges, educational programs, and sporting events are integral parts of Russian-Cuban relations. Last year, the geography of direct flights was expanded. In the cultural and sporting areas of bilateral relations, work is underway on several joint film projects with the participation of the Mosfilm film concern, and contacts are maintained between sports federations. Cuban athletes regularly participate in and win medals in sporting competitions held in Russia.
"In the area of education, we are allocating approximately 100 quotas for Cubans to study at Russian universities. Classes began in September 2025 at the branch of the Southern Federal University in Havana, which was opened during the commission's last meeting. Three years ago, the first Russian language center opened in Havana. Currently, eight such centers are operating in Cuba, and over 1,300 people have completed their studies," the Deputy Prime Minister said.
Oscar Pérez-Oliva Fraga thanked the Russian and St. Petersburg authorities for hosting him during the meeting of the Intergovernmental Russian-Cuban Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, and Technical Cooperation. He emphasized that the strategic alliance between Russia and Cuba must continue to strengthen. "We thank Russian organizations for their support and offers of cooperation. In 2025, we celebrated the 65th anniversary of the restoration of diplomatic relations between our two countries. We continue to strengthen our cooperation," noted Oscar Pérez-Oliva Fraga.
Today, Russian Mir cards are accepted in Cuba, correspondence has been established between Russian and Cuban banks, numerous investment and pilot projects exist for the supply of food products to Cuba, and cooperation in the financial sector continues.
"I would like to reaffirm the high priority of these projects, especially given the current economic situation, in which the participation of Russian entrepreneurs is essential. We are creating a privileged space for the continuation and transformation of economic relations," said Oscar Pérez-Oliva Fraga.
Following the meeting, a number of bilateral documents and the final act of the 23rd meeting of the IPC were signed.
Also participating from the Russian side were deputy ministers of the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Construction, the Ministry of Digital Development, and others. From the Cuban side, the event was attended by Minister of Health José Ángel Portal Miranda, Minister-President of the Central Bank of the Republic of Cuba Juana Lilia Delgado Portal, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment Carlos Luis Jorge Méndez, Deputy Minister of Transport Marcus Antonio Bermúdez de la Torre, and others.
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