Cuba–Russia cooperation and agreements

The commander of Russian airborne troops Shamanov acquainted with the preparation of the Cuban special forces

The Russian military will also hold consultations on the participation of the Cuban colleagues in the Army international games in 2016, which will be held in Russia

MOSCOW, November 16. / TASS /. Commander of the Airborne Troops (VDV), Russian Vladimir Shamanov today traveled to Cuba to get familiar with the preparation of intelligence and Special Forces, said the spokesman for the Ministry of Defense Airborne Evgeny Meshkov.

"Today the delegation of Russian Airborne Troops ubyla to Cuba to study the preparation of intelligence units and special forces of the revolutionary armed forces of the Republic of Cuba. The delegation is headed by the commander of the VDV Russian Airborne Troops Colonel-General Vladimir Shamanov," - said the bag.

According to him, the Russian military will also hold consultations on the participation of the Cuban colleagues in the Army international games in 2016, which will be held in Russia.

The visit will last until November 20, said the bag.

Russia has no plans of reopening military bases in Cuba — diplomat

The Soviet-era spy base in Cuba, the Lourdes SIGINT Station south of Havana, was closed in 2002

MOSCOW, February 9. /TASS/. The plans of opening Russia’s military bases in Cuba are not being discussed, a Russian diplomat said in an interview with TASS on Tuesday.

"This issue [of opening bases] is not on the agenda," said Alexander Schetinin, the director of the Latin American department of the Russian Foreign Ministry.

"Our cooperation is now developing in other areas - this is first of all our very close friendly foreign policy cooperation. These are issues of advancing our economic and investment cooperation."

Last year, Russia and Cuba signed major contracts linked to Russia’s participation in implementing a number of significant energy projects and projects in the sphere of developing metallurgy on the Freedom Island, he reminded.

"We have projects in the sphere of transport on the agenda," Schetinin said.

The Soviet-era spy base in Cuba, the Lourdes SIGINT Station south of Havana, was closed in 2002. Some media reports claimed that Russia could reopen the base but the rumors were officially denied after the visit of President Vladimir Putin to Cuba in July 2014.


More:
http://tass.ru/en/defense/855402

George1 wrote:Russia has no plans of reopening military bases in Cuba — diplomat

The Soviet-era spy base in Cuba, the Lourdes SIGINT Station south of Havana, was closed in 2002

MOSCOW, February 9. /TASS/. The plans of opening Russia’s military bases in Cuba are not being discussed, a Russian diplomat said in an interview with TASS on Tuesday.

"This issue [of opening bases] is not on the agenda," said Alexander Schetinin, the director of the Latin American department of the Russian Foreign Ministry.

"Our cooperation is now developing in other areas - this is first of all our very close friendly foreign policy cooperation. These are issues of advancing our economic and investment cooperation."

Last year, Russia and Cuba signed major contracts linked to Russia’s participation in implementing a number of significant energy projects and projects in the sphere of developing metallurgy on the Freedom Island, he reminded.

"We have projects in the sphere of transport on the agenda," Schetinin said.

The Soviet-era spy base in Cuba, the Lourdes SIGINT Station south of Havana, was closed in 2002. Some media reports claimed that Russia could reopen the base but the rumors were officially denied after the visit of President Vladimir Putin to Cuba in July 2014.


More:
http://tass.ru/en/defense/855402

No need to re-open the SIGINT base when KRET is developing OTH radars with the dimensions of a compact car. When their developed and put into service and mass produced expect to (not) see them in Cuba...

Russia to install four power generators in Cuba

Russian electrical power generating company Inter RAO has signed a deal with Cuba's Energoimport to install four power generators costing €1.2 billion.

According to the Russian firm, three generators will be for the Este Habana power plant in Santa Cruz del Norte municipality, the fourth will go to the Maximo Gomes power plant in Mariel.

Each of the generators will have a 200MW capacity, and are planned to be operational by 2022-2024.

One megawatt can provide power for about 1000 homes.

Under the agreement, Inter RAO and its contractors won’t have to pay tax and customs duties; the employees will also be exempt from paying income tax.

The project’s financing will be provided mainly by Russian export credits, according to Inter RAO.

It has been reported Russia would provide Cuba with a €1.2 billion 4.5 percent interest loan. Repayments would start after the generators begin operating, but no later than February 2025. Cuba will have to pay off the loan within ten years.

READ MORE: Rosneft signs 25-year gas deal with INTER RAO

The agreement to provide Cuba with power generators was ratified by Moscow and Havana in October.

In July 2014 Russian power generating company RusHydro and Cuban state energy company Union Electrica signed a memorandum of understanding on modernizing and building new hydroelectric power plants in Cuba.

https://www.rt.com/business/336570-russia-cuba-energy-blocks/

Russian Air Navigation Company to Renovate Cuban Air Traffic Control

Russia's air traffic control equipment developer Azimut signed a contract with Cuba to renovate the national system of air traffic control.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Azimut will provide engineering services for the development of modules for calculating the four dimensional planned trajectory, indication of warnings and control of air traffic, while no equipment will be supplied, Izvestia newspaper reported. The contract also provides for the training of local maintenance specialists.

The contract is expected to be fulfilled by June 2017, the cost of the contract was not disclosed.

Cuba uses an outdated air traffic control system installed by the Canadians in early 2000s.

Azimut produces radio communication, navigation, surveillance and air traffic control equipment to civil aviation enterprises. In February, it closed the deal with the Egyptian National Air Navigation Services Company on a project to upgrade Egypt's air traffic control systems.

http://sputniknews.com/latam/20160630/1042240223/russia-cuba-traffic-control.html

Russian Helicopters to Supply Maintenance Documentation for Mi-8T to Cuba

Read more: https://sputniknews.com/military/20160907/1045051065/russian-helicopters-cuba-mi8t.html

Cooperation between Cuba and Russia in the supply of aviation equipment

In the February Bulletin of the Accounts Chamber of Russia for 2017 published an interesting report. Analysis of measures taken by the federal executive bodies and organizations of the Russian Federation in the framework of the Russian civil aircraft supply projects, related equipment and services program of civil aviation modernization of Cuba " . It contains some of the details of cooperation between Russia and Cuba in the field of civil aviation.

So, at the end of the 10th session of the Russian-Cuban Intergovernmental Commission (IGC) in November 2012. The program was signed by the trade-economic and scientific-technical cooperation between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Republic of Cuba for 2012-2020 (hereinafter Cooperation Programme). In accordance with this program as priorities of cooperation between the two countries in the field of industry in the period 2012-2020 identifies the following problems in the aviation industry:

1. Supply of the Republic of the Russian civil aviation industry products Cuba (IL-96-400 aircraft, the An-148/158, the plane MS-21, Mi-8/17 and Ka-226T, Ka-32AK11VS "ANSAT", etc. .), as well as the modernization of previously supplied equipment;

2. The organization of technical support aircraft;

3. Implementation of the project of creating and equipping the aviation training center in Havana to train Cuban pilots to ensure the safety and economic efficiency of operation of the set of aircraft.

At the end of the 11th session of the IPC (24-25 October 2013, Moscow) The Parties recognize the desirability of developing Implementation Plan on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation between the Russian Federation and the Government of the Republic of Cuba by the Government for 2012-2020 (hereinafter Plan), including for the purpose of specifying actions of executives and the timing of the implementation of specific projects.

Thus, the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment of the Republic of Cuba (letter dated 10 May 2014 number OM-1733 in the Ministry of Industry of Russia) for inclusion in the plan proposes the following points regarding cooperation in the field of aviation: To assess the prospects for delivery to Cuba of IL-96 300 and four Tu-204 Purchase of the second installment of An-158 aircraft for the national airline «Cubana de Aviacion», to continue negotiations on the supply to Cuba administrative aircraft An-158 model began to work together in a modular repair series engines PS-90A in the territory owner of the airport in order to avoid stops of Russian aircraft.

However, the issue with the delivery of the AN-158 aircraft dropped administration. As explained, Since 2013, IFC has negotiated for the supply to Cuba AN-148-100EA with superior cabin for the transport of senior government officials. Initially, the Cuban side were invited to supply the aircraft under finance leases, however, the Cuban side has announced its intention to buy this aircraft on the sales conditions. In addition, in the future in the Cuban side there was a preference to buy an aircraft of this type of production of PJSC "VASO" and not the State Enterprise "Antonov". As a result of a formal decision of the Cuban customer on this issue as of August 2014 it was missing.

Talking about the repair, it is noted that for timely repair work hampered by a number of circumstances.

First, (in Havana), a warehouse of spare parts and components, to date this has not created a warehouse despite repeatedly broadcasted the Cuban side of the commercial proposals to establish the responsibility of the airline «Cubana de Aviacion». The decision on the level of the Republic Civil Aviation Institute leadership of Cuba, the companies «Aviaimport SA», «Cubana de Aviacion», JSC "United Aircraft Corporation", JSC "IFC" in January 2010, the decision to establish in Cuba a warehouse of spare parts to support the operation of the IL aircraft -96-300 and Tu-204 is not implemented.

In addition, the continuing practice of delayed sending Cuban party failed units for repair. Thus, the Agreement on the procedure for fulfillment of its warranty obligations in respect of aircraft An-158 on 20 July 2012 provides for the obligation of the operator to send the failed product in the study within 10 days of receipt of the indication SE "Antonov". At the same time in 2015 we received 110 repair products out of time, out of which 11 products were in stock defective parts in 2011, 5 in 2012, 6 in 2013. Thus, the period of the delay in the areas of product repair is up to 4.5 years.

Refused in 2015 parts and assemblies were sent to repair the Cuban side after finding on the stock from one to three months.

Producer (SE "Antonov") repeatedly sent Cuban counterparts (CACSA, airline «Cubana de Aviacion», the company «Aviaimport S.A.») relevant inquiries about the delay in the direction of the failed units for repair.

For example, at a recent meeting at the time of the inspection, which took place May 25, 2016 in Kyiv with the participation of IFC, the State Enterprise "Antonov", JSC "Motor Sich", SE "IvchenkoProgress", as well as on the Cuban side: CACSA, airlines «Cubana de Aviacion», the company «Aviaimport SA», the following decisions were taken:

SE «Antonov» and airline «Cubana de Aviacion» confirmed that after the restoration of the State Enterprise "Antonov" aircraft AN-158 (serial № 201-01) (as soon as possible), and the provision of guarantees for the recovered aircraft period of 3 months the airline «Cubana de Aviacion "will be removed claims downtime of aircraft and aircraft with serial number 20506, and other claims against the State Enterprise" Antonov "airline« Cubana de Aviacion »does not have;

in order to ensure the smooth operation of aircraft An-158 airline «Cubana de Aviacion» simultaneously with the implementation of the work of SE "Antonov" to restore the above-mentioned aircraft will exchange stock of spare parts and components in accordance with the recommendations of the State Enterprise "Antonov", the estimated cost of the exchange fund acquired will be .. US $ 10 million, IFC will develop proposals for the airline «Cubana de Aviacion» to finance the creation of the exchange fund;

Company «Aviaimport SA» and airline «Cubana de Aviacion» ensure the implementation of the Agreement on the fulfillment of its warranty obligations in respect of aircraft An-158 of 20 July 2012 in part to send the defective components in the study and repairs for 10 days from the date of receipt of instructions GP "Antonov".

One of the problems of cooperation are long-term production and repair of components required the Cuban side, the Russian manufacturers. Thus, on 38 components, requested by the Cuban side as part of after-sales service in 2015-2016, delivery time (including repair or production time) ranged from 120 to 270 days.

Just a moment with the financial participation of Russian banks sold 5 contracts for the supply of (repair) spare parts and units for a total amount of $ 17,050.6 thousand...

Between JSC "Russian Helicopters" and the State Enterprise "Technoimport" (Republic of Cuba) March 25, 2015 signed a contract for delivery of two Mi-17-1B. Supply helicopters carried out 26 February 2016, the payment is received in full. Currently JSC "Helicopters of Russia" carries out fulfillment of guarantee obligations under this contract.

In addition, JSC "Helicopters of Russia" the Cuban side handed over a number of commercial proposals and draft contract documents for the supply of equipment and repair and design documentation, as well as the provision of services.

In 2015, the Cuban side of the commercial proposals to update the repair and construction documentation to the carrier system of the Mi-8 MTV-1 in the amount of $ 280.7 th. Were transferred. United States, as well as to update the technological equipment for ATM "Yuri Gagarin" in the amount of 675, US 9 th. dollars.. However, these proposals the Cuban side were not adopted, the actions of offers expired deadlines.

Also in the address SE "Technoimport" June 8, 2016 JSC "Helicopters of Russia" sent an offer to provide services to extend the TBO three Mi-8 MTV-1 in the amount of 92.9 thousand. Euro, its validity until 30 November 2016 . At the time of writing no response is entered.

In addition, the Russian side (JSC "FAC") signed an agreement for the supply of remontnokonstruktorskoy documentation for overhaul of Mi-8Mt and Mi-8 MTV-1 GP "Technoimport" worth $ 53.9 thousand... In the near future it is expected to be signed by the State Enterprise "Technoimport".

One of the priorities outlined in the Cooperation Programme, the project is creating and equipping the aviation training center in the city of Havana.

The project of creating and equipping the aviation training center in Havana to train Cuban pilots initially considered in the context of the supply capacity of prospects of Russian aircraft to Cuba.

In 2012, IFC has transferred the Cuban side of the first commercial proposal to establish a training center for aviation Ay-148, but the project was never realized.
In early 2015 it resumed the discussion of this project: the Cuban side was sent an offer for the supply of simulators for the An-158, Il-96 and Tu-204 aircraft with equipment of the training center.

Currently, due to the lack of clear prospects of new deliveries of Russian aircraft, as well as the difficult financial situation in Cuba talks suspended.
However, under the terms of existing contracts for the supply of aircraft An-158 price of each of the delivered aircraft includes training for flight and engineering personnel of the airline «Cubana de Aviacion» in the following scope: the aircraft commander 3 people, copilot 3 people, engineer (aircraft and motors) 4 engineer (Avionics and electronic equipment) 4, flight attendant 3 people.

Pursuant to paragraph 4 of the order of the Russian Federation from October 30, 2015 № RD-P2-7420 of "Rosoboronexport", PJSC "United Aircraft Corporation" and PJSC "VASO" is considering the issue of delivery of the AN-148-100EA for the needs of the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces the Republic of Cuba.

In JSC "Rosoboronexport" from the Ministry of the revolutionary armed forces of the Republic of Cuba has received an application dated 19 November 2015. 103/15 on the purchase of one AN-148-100EA (VIPsalon), one spare engine, the backup auxiliary power unit (APU), spare parts, as well as to conduct flight training (6 people) and technical (9 persons) personnel.

During the talks with the Cuban side were identified counterparts from the Russian side of "Rosoboronexport", a Cuban state enterprise "Technoimport". A schedule of production and determined the estimated delivery date of the aircraft: the end of 2017 beginning of 2018. Decorated protocol negotiation of contract prices, according to which the total contract price of the products listed in the report, is defined in the amount of 43,087.61 thousand. Euro. However, March 31, 2016 SE "Technoimport" informed the Russian side about the fact that, according to the Cuban side, the budget for this transaction significantly overvalued, in connection with which the Cuban side refused to sign the treaty.

In order to reduce costs and reduce the time aircraft deliveries requested by the Cuban party, in April 2016, IFC has transferred the Cuban side of the quotation for one AN-148100EA release 2010

http://bmpd.livejournal.com/2463184.html

Russia to provide 38 mln euro credit to Cuba in military technical cooperation line

More:
http://tass.com/economy/1029137


Moscow and Havana eye signing an agreement on upgrade of Cuba's railway network

More:
http://tass.com/economy/1029087

GarryB wrote:Regarding my discussion with TR-1 and Russia trading with Cuba... before Russia had an ideology to push so the relationship was generally unhealthy.... really a subsidy.

Now, Russia has no ideology to push so the relationship can be based on trade and mutual benefit... Russia invests in cuba... cuba grows as a country with this investment and russia benefits from returns from that investment.

Russia has plenty of technology and money to offer and cuba needs investment and cooperation to grow and improve.

Win win with no more need for handouts and other unhealthy behaviour.

Unhealthy behavior? I guess that's on the eyes of the beholder. USSR helped Cuba develop and provided subsidies in large part because the whole LA continent not only was largely undeveloped, it was also at the claws of the Americans and the U.S was the main driver and center of economic activity and growth in the region. Thus you compound the fact that the U.S was Cuba's largest trading partner before the break-up, and that Cuba was a banana republic by all accounts before 1959, it was self-evident that in order to avoid Cuba from collapsing, by the loss of trading partners, by its lack of natural resources, and by its lack of; at the time: human capital and industry, it would need such "huge" levels of aid (albeit kinda small considering what the U.S forked out for its allies - even today). We will leave obviously economic embargos, state sponsored terrorism, threat of invasion, internal destabilization and diplomatic isolation etc aside as bullet points....

Anyway this aid at least helped built the foundations that allowed Cuba to withstand the Russian striptease that was the USSR breakup of the 1990s - I say helped because without the institutional foundations, cultural foundations, and political leadership on top of the human element - that aid is, well, simply $$ to be consumed and discarded. That is to say, the aid was very well invested. Could you say that for many others? Boy....

But yes for that aid the Cubans are thankful but they also put their skin in the game, BIG TIME - and got left hanging. You know Cuba could have folded like all the banana republics in the region when applied a bit of pressure and when all hope "seems lost (aka 1990)". Look at the "heavy weights" in the region like Mexico, Brazil and Argentina who continue to show nothing but stupidity and servility for almost 200 years now, mere colonies enslaved by the local elites who fold, in due time when the Northmen come knocking. For all the wealth in resources, the massive size of their territories, the big populations, for all of that, they're political midgets, mere toddlers. They prove again and again to be so.

The Venezuela's and Nicaragua's of the world? What are they if not disciples of the Cuban experience, tutored, to adjust to their realities? Independence in the region has a great taste but comes at great cost - and keeping it is a hell of a war. Anyway these states don't happen nor resist to their current ability without the Cubans existing. In that regard the Cubans have shown over the last 20 years to be more adept at "regime change" than the once mighty KGB, today's FSB. You gotta have, to use a street term, huge balls, to continue to play that sort of game when your major allies disappeared in 1990, considering the mammoth you're dealing with to your north.

The Americans don't have an almost 70 year old embargo on the island cause they're inoffensive creatures. The Cubans play the game well and know their enemy in all its horror - it helps when you're not clouded by naivety. The day they forget that is the day they're history. Something some Soviet bureaucrats drunk in hopeful naivety and "infinite superior wisdom" chose to forget.... and for that they paid the price and continue to lay a heavy price on subsequent generations. Just look at Ukraine, Georgia, Estonia, Latvia. Hec the poor Yugoslavians, in my opinion the greatest tragedy of the collapse of the USSR......destroyed and made to fight each other... left to wolves to feast. Same project going on in Ukraine. The Cubans understand their neighbor much much better than most - quite an understatement I would say. But given how rich Russia is, you get second chances. Don't think Russians could mess this one up tho... the consequences might be beyond repair. And make no mistake, Russia's European "partners" are all in on the gig. I always get amused at how they try to keep Russia in, while keeping it out....the Germans and French (to a lesser extent) are small little devils.... the Poles and Britts are always a known quantity, too crude... the Germans however - professional silent backstabbers - I guess if you're naive about them that becomes true...see Ukraine, EU sanctions and NATO/EU expansion. Not hard to see why however... there is no place for Russia in a Europe dominated by their project, the E.U... Russians thus become competition that must be discarded....the poison administered softly over time.

Looking at Russia's strategic pains today (and boy there are many - getting encircled and squished) and the ones coming in the future as nuclear treaties fall one by one (with the U.S having massive strategic advantages); Russia needs Cuba just as much as Cuba needs Russia. Just the chance of having military cooperation and the potential to use the "unsinkable" island if it ever comes to that point  -- for Russia's defense in a future confrontation with the U.S (which we're clearly headed to)--- is enough for any smart Russian leader to fork free money (subsidies or whatever aid) and sign lullabies... like Putin was today, ALL SMILES shaking Canels hands - he better. Specially after the 1990s, and the embarrassing negotiations by Khrushchev during the October crisis -when he failed to deliver Guantanamo, among other things, which is why he was considered the loser in the stand-off and why he had to kiss up to Fidel's ass following the ordeal. In this regard, the party that has, more or less failed in the bilateral relationship in prior occasions, has been the Russian speaking world, the Cubans have held their end.

Agreement to ease visa regime between Russia and Cuba to come into effect on December 21

More:
http://tass.com/economy/1031215

Upgrade of Cuba’s railway network with Russian participation will cost euro 2 bln

More:
http://tass.com/economy/1041781

Ministry of Defense sends second shipment of humanitarian aid to Cuba
Yesterday, 13: 12

The Ministry of Defense sent a second shipment of humanitarian aid to Cuba. According to the press service of the military department, two military transport aircraft have already taken off to their destination.

On Thursday and Friday, two An-124 Ruslan military transport aircraft of the VTA Russian Aerospace Forces took off from the Chkalovsky airfield, heading for Cuba. The planes will deliver 80 tons of humanitarian aid to Liberty Island, which includes food, medical equipment and products, medicines. The aid is delivered on behalf of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

According to the Russian Embassy in Cuba, the first plane with a cargo of canned meat, wheat flour and sunflower oil with a total weight of 41 tons has already arrived at the Havana International Airport named after Jose Marti, unloading is underway. The arrival of the second plane with a cargo of medicines is expected.

Ambassador: Russia can take part in the restoration of sugar plantations in Cuba, 07.04.2023.

Russia may take part in the restoration of sugar cane plantations in Cuba.

This was stated by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Cuba Viktor Koronelli.

According to him, due to the shortage of fertilizers and past hurricanes and floods, sugar cane production has fallen on the island.

"We are talking about the fact that our two large agricultural holdings are interested in working here to restore sugar cane plantations and factories for its processing,” TASS quotes Koronelli.

Earlier, he said that Russian automakers are interested in delivering cars to Cuba , negotiations are currently underway.

The head of the Russian Defence Ministry, Sergei Shoigu, called Cuba Russia's most important ally in the region.

https://russian.rt.com/world/news/1170306-rossiya-kuba-saharnye-plantacii

The United States was outraged because of the unexpected step of Russia, 07.14.2023.

Journalist Oppman called the appearance of the ship of the Russian Navy in Cuba a serious message.

MOSCOW, July 14 - RIA Novosti. A Russian warship that arrived in Cuba shocked CNN 's American correspondent Patrick Oppman.

"This is a Russian warship that arrived yesterday in Havana and moored in the very center, in the port of Havana. This definitely carries a serious message to both the Cuban and American peoples about strengthening Russian-Cuban relations," he said.

The correspondent was especially outraged that the ship was close to the US border , only 90 miles away. At the same time, he stressed that there is also American fault in this situation: the United States has imposed many sanctions on Cuba, and Russia continues to help the country and strengthen economic ties. For example, in February of this year, Russia delivered 25,000 tons of wheat to Cuba free of charge.

The journalist also said that Russia plans to build new supermarkets on the island, where they will sell Russian goods, increase the supply of oil and modernize the beach near Havana.

This week, the training ship of the Russian Navy "Perekop" arrived in the bay of Havana with cadets on board, it is on a long voyage.

To provide maritime practice for cadets of naval universities, the ship will visit a number of countries in the Caribbean , as well as South America and Africa . It is planned to return to the main base point in September.

https://ria.ru/20230714/kuba-1884151773.html

Cuba and Russia seek to expand cooperation in the medium and long term, by Miguel Fernández Martínez for SputnikMundo. 07.17.2023.

HAVANA (Sputnik) — Cuba and Russia are promoting cooperation and investments in the medium and long term, with a view to expanding Moscow's participation in the island's National Economic and Social Development Plan until 2030, the head of the Russian Trade Representation in this country, Sergey Baldin, told Sputnik.

"Both sides have already begun to take the first steps in this direction. During the recent visit to Cuba of a multisectoral delegation headed by the adviser to the President of Russia for Economic Affairs, Maxim Oreshkin — last May — a memorandum of understanding was signed for the implementation of the Russian-Cuban Investment Initiative," said Baldin.

Faced with such prospects, the diplomat considered that, with a more active participation of Russian investors in the development of the strategic sectors of the Cuban economy, both countries have good possibilities to achieve a higher level of interaction in this field.

Strategic investment sectors

According to Baldin, among the strategic sectors of the Cuban economy in which Russia can invest, energy, the sugar industry, mining, agriculture, food production, civil aviation infrastructure, transport and tourism stand out.

"It is worth mentioning the Russian presence in the development of the Boca de Jaruco oil field [northwest], where significant progress has been made in increasing oil production with the use of Russian cutting-edge technologies in geology and equipment, with guarantees that favorable conditions are provided for the implementation of the project by the interested Cuban structures," the trade official said.

He gave as an example of the successful implementation of joint industrial projects the commissioning of an electric steel mill at the José Martí Antillean Steel Company in Havana, with the capacity to produce between 220,000 and 250,000 tons of metal per year.

"The next stage will be the commissioning of the rolling mill plant," he added, whose further modernization is supervised by the Commercial Representation of the Russian Federation in Cuba.

Aid and collaboration in times of crisis

Baldin assured that there is understanding and a firm will between Cuba and Russia to achieve remarkable progress and dynamics that strengthen multilateral ties, including cooperation and investment in the areas of energy, transportation, agri-food sector, raw materials for producing medicines, sugar industry, mining, agriculture, civil aviation infrastructure and tourism.

"It is also about our support to overcome some of the difficulties that have affected the Cuban economy in recent years for various well-known reasons, including the coronavirus pandemic and natural disasters," he stressed.

As part of that collaboration, he also mentioned the wheat supplies to Cuba through the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations, as well as the implementation of the Russian initiative to donate 15,000 LED lamps for urban infrastructure needs.

"I am convinced," Baldin added, "that in the context of the current [economic, commercial and financial] blockade of the island by the United States and the numerous Western restrictions imposed on Russia, it is vital that we continue on the path of pooling our economic, scientific, technical and production capacities and potentials, that we develop joint approaches to building new transport routes and logistics chains and conduct financial operations without looking at our former partners."

He also stressed that, after the departure from Russia of Western companies that invested on a large scale in the construction of plants, including the automobile factories of prestigious Western brands, or that bought many well-known Russian brands of consumer goods, food products, among others, niches quickly filled by Russian companies, including small and medium-sized ones, became vacant.

This will allow, he added, that cargo flows can be redirected to the promising markets of friendly countries, as Cuba has historically been, so it is to be expected that traditional Cuban exports will be able to occupy their market niches in the Russian regions.

"The work in this area is being developed at a good pace with the participation of the ministries, departments and interested commercial structures of Russia and Cuba, which aims to achieve concrete results, which are already noticeable. Thus, for example, the volume of bilateral trade between January and April of this year increased almost nine times compared to the same period last year," Baldin stressed.

A new stage of collaboration

The head of the Russian Trade Representation in Havana recalled the comprehensive assistance provided by the former Soviet Union (USSR) between 1960 and 1990 to the people of Cuba, a former key partner for Moscow in Latin America.
"At that time, bilateral trade and economic ties were developing at full speed with the participation of the corresponding Soviet ministries, state foreign trade associations and companies operating in almost all sectors of the Cuban economy."

At that time — he recalled — technical assistance was provided on a large scale, large energy and industrial facilities were being built that are still operating, but require significant modernization. He recalled that regular deliveries of Soviet aircraft, tools, industrial and agricultural machinery, vehicles, food and many other types of products were also established, which were delivered to the island by sea and by air, and also cooperation in the area of fishing, all with a great demand in Cuba.

"After the disintegration of the Soviet Union, in the 1990s, we, like Cubans, faced economic difficulties, which also affected bilateral cooperation. In Cuba, these years are known as the "special period". After overcoming the crisis, we preserve the hope of resuming relations of friendship and mutual benefit already in the conditions of Russia's reality," Baldin emphasized.

With a hopeful look, he assured that today, as in the times of the USSR, products and goods with the label "Made in Russia" are in demand in Cuba again. For example, the diplomat pointed out the circulation in Cuba of old preserved Soviet cars, such as Moskvich, Niva, Zhiguli, Volga, along with more modern ones, such as Gazelle, Kamaz, Lada Moderna, UAZ.

"New Russian locomotives and wagons are also circulating on Cuban railways for the transport of sugar cane, cement and other goods, and local railway specialists received training in our country," he added.

For Baldin, the commercial, economic, technical and scientific potential accumulated during the Soviet era will provide Russian companies with good opportunities to develop it today under the new circumstances.

"In this way, we show our willingness to extend the hand of friendship to Havana again, something that on a practical level confirms the successful implementation of the aforementioned projects and others of mutual benefit," he concluded.

Yandex Translate from Spanish

https://sputniknews.lat/20230717/cuba-y-rusia-buscan-ampliar-la-cooperacion-a-mediano-y-largo-plazo-1141640293.html