Putin received the Cuban Foreign Minister in the Kremlin. The main thing

On February 18, Russian President Vladimir Putin held a meeting in the Kremlin with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, who arrived in Russia on an official visit. The parties discussed the development of bilateral relations, the situation around the new restrictions on Havana, as well as upcoming joint events dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the birth of Fidel Castro. What the leaders of the states talked about is in the Izvestia article.

Meeting in the Kremlin: focus on strategic partnership

The talks took place on Wednesday evening in the Kremlin. Opening the conversation, Putin noted the steady dynamics of cooperation between the two countries.

"As for bilateral relations, they are developing along a generally positive track," the head of state stressed.

He expressed confidence that during the meeting it would be possible to discuss in detail all relevant issues of cooperation. The Russian President also conveyed his best wishes to Cuban President Miguel Diaz Canel and Army General Raul Castro.

Moscow's position on sanctions against Cuba

One of the central topics of the talks was the new restrictions on Cuba. Putin said that Russia considers such measures unacceptable.

"Now is a special period, new sanctions. You know how we feel about this. We do not accept anything like this," the head of state said.

He stressed that the position of the Russian Foreign Ministry "sounds open, clear and unambiguous" and recalled Moscow's traditional support for Cuba.

"We have always been on the side of Cuba in its struggle for independence, for the right to pursue its own path of development, and we have always supported the Cuban people. We know how difficult all these decades of Cuban independence have been for the Cuban people in the struggle for their right to live by their own rules and defend their national interests," Putin said.

Joint celebration of Fidel Castro's 100th birthday

During the conversation, the Russian leader recalled the important date that the countries will celebrate this year.

"This year we will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Fidel Castro. We will do this together," the president said.

Fidel Castro is one of the leaders of the Cuban revolutionary movement, who headed the government of the country from 1959 to 2008. He died in 2016.

Havana's gratitude for solidarity

In response, Bruno Rodriguez thanked the Russian leadership for its support in the face of the tightening blockade and energy siege of the island.

"I would like to especially thank you for the Russian solidarity expressed by you and the Russian government, the Foreign Minister, in the face of the tightening blockade against Cuba and the energy siege that is causing suffering to our people and creating very difficult conditions for our economy," the Cuban Foreign Minister said.

He stressed that the development of relations with Russia is a priority for Havana. According to him, the cooperation between the two countries is "tempered by time and mutual support in difficult moments."

"All these years we have been working hand in hand on various issues," said Rodriguez.

He added that the people of Cuba appreciate and love the people of Russia.

"Warm friendship" in winter Moscow

At the beginning of the meeting, the Cuban Minister drew attention to the weather in the Russian capital.

"With low cold temperatures and heavy snowfall. But I felt a very warm friendship," he said.

Bruno Rodriguez also conveyed to Vladimir Putin "friendly greetings" from Raul Castro and Miguel Diaz-Canel.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.