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Author : M. Kamynin
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Cuba and the
Commonwealth of the Bahamas
This interview was conducted by International Affairs' commentator
Alexander Moiseyev.
The year 2008 went down in the history of Russ-
ian-Cuban relations as a breakthrough. Cuba be-
came a key element of our return to the Latin
American region, where it holds a special place due
to its authority and influence. The qualitatively new
level of our bilateral cooperation was evidenced pri-
marily by President D.A. Medvedev's working visit
to Havana in 2008 (he visited the island again in
2013 as prime minister). It became a kind of a starting point in invigorating the ties between our
countries in practically all areas. The talks that took place at that time confirmed our mutual in-
terest in drawing closer together and fostering mutually beneficial cooperation geared to the fu-
ture.
In short, our relations moved forward during that period primarily due to the existence of mutual
political will.
We have a close, trust-based dialogue with the Cubans at international venues; we jointly uphold
our common interests; and our views on key issues these days are similar or identical. Our foreign
ministers regularly meet on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly and exchange visits. We
coordinate our positions in accordance with plans of political consultations between our foreign
ministries that are signed every three years. Cuba actively supports us at the UN General As-
sembly and at the Human Rights Council on such pressing issues as the return of Crimea and
the situation in Ukraine and Syria. This mutual understanding and this favorable political back-
drop expand our possibilities for effective cooperation.
Our relations with Cuba are developing dynamically in all areas of trade, economic, scientific,
technical, cultural, and humanitarian cooperation.
Cultural and educational ties are expanding. Russia's participation in Havana's International Book
Fair and Theater Festival has become a tradition. Russian cinema weeks have become a regular
feature here. Russia's humanitarian presence on the island is as relevant as before since many
Cubans know our literature, fine art and theater very well and speak Russian.
We realize that we are returning to Cuba amid tough competition. However, Havana is interested
in reliable, time-tested partners to implement its socioeconomic program.
Our task is to live up to the Cubans' expectations and continue to work effectively to foster mu-
tually beneficial cooperation in all areas.
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Russia and Cuba: Our Dialogue Never Ends