Cuban leader stands for enhancing economic cooperation with Russia

MOSCOW. Nov 21 (Interfax) - Cuban leader Miguel Diaz-Canel has thanked Russia for its support for his country and spoke in favor of expanding economic cooperation between the two countries.

During talks with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko, the Cuban president recalled the challenges both countries faced during the coronavirus pandemic as well as sanctions pressure from the West. "During all these difficult moments, we have always felt the support of the Russian Federation, particularly President [Vladimir] Putin," Diaz-Canel said.

He noted that during all this time Russia and Cuba have maintained a high level of political dialogue. "I personally had seven telephone conversations with President Putin. We have discussed the international situation and issues in our bilateral relations," Diaz-Canel said.

"We can continue to improve our bilateral economic relations, continue to move forward and step up our ties," Diaz-Canel said.

"Cuba is for us a key ally and reliable partner in the Latin American region, relations with which do not depend on conjuncture and are of a strategic nature," Chernyshenko said.

Diaz-Canel arrived in Moscow on an official visit on the evening of November 19.