Russian, Cuban Relations are Based on 'Genuine' Friendship

Relations between Russia and Cuba are based on a true feeling of friendship, Cuban Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mercedes Martinez Valdez said.

"Contrary to the opportunistic reasons, they [the relations between the Cuban and Russian peoples] are based on a genuine feeling of friendship," Martinez Valdez said in a written interview with RIA Novosti.

She said that Cuba and Russia share a vision of a multipolar world on principles of the UN Charter, strengthening bilateral relations.

"The proof of the positive development is the active exchange of views, which we make at the various international forums and international organizations platforms," Martinez Valdez said.

According to the Cuban diplomat, speculations about a possible deterioration of relations between Havana and Moscow against the backdrop of warming relations between Cuba and the United States are groundless.

"I am sure that this [the assumption about the deterioration of relations with Russia] is only speculation, showing ignorance of the historical traditions of Cuban philosophy and approach," Martinez Valdez said.

The United States resumed diplomatic relations with Cuba on July 20, when the two countries reopened embassies in their respective capitals five decades after a suspension of diplomatic relations.

Cuba and Russia have had close cooperation since the days of the Soviet Union. Moscow is currently engaged in a number of industrial, infrastructure and energy projects in Cuba.

Mercedes Martinez stated that energy, biotechnology, tourism, industry and transport are among the most likely areas for an increase in economic and trade cooperation between Moscow and Havana.

"The economic relations [between the two countries] still haven’t reached the level of the political relations. But our states make efforts to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation," Mercedes Martinez Valdez told RIA Novosti in an interview.

Russian-Cuban relations have been actively developing in education and culture in recent years, Valdez added.

"We can say with confidence that this cooperation will continue: both peoples want this and believe our friendship is very important," she said.

Earlier in August, press attache of the Russian Embassy in Cuba Alexander Stepunin told Sputnik that Moscow and Havana were engaged in a number of joint projects, including energy, industry, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, as well as joint scientific projects.