Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation and Co-Chair of the Russian-Cuban Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, and Technical Cooperation, Dmitry Chernyshenko held a working meeting with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Cuba to the Russian Federation, Enrique Orta González.

This was Enrique Orta González’s first official event as the head of the Cuban diplomatic mission.

The Cuban delegation also included First Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment of the Republic of Cuba Carlos Luis Jorge Méndez and President of the Gaviota Tourism Group Carlos Miguel Latuff Carmenate. From the Russian side, representatives of the Ministry of Economic Development, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the tourism industry took part.

Dmitry Chernyshenko congratulated Enrique Orta González on his appointment as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Cuba to the Russian Federation and wished him successful, fruitful, and productive work in Moscow.

“We are now actively working on implementing the agreements reached during the talks between our presidents Vladimir Putin and Miguel Díaz-Canel on 7 May in Moscow. Specific steps have been planned within the framework of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, and Technical Cooperation. We are striving to find solutions that will allow us to develop mutually acceptable, long-term opportunities for collaboration,” said the Russian Deputy Prime Minister.

Enrique Orta González emphasized that the bilateral relations between Russia and Cuba are based on a long history and are acquiring special significance in the context of strategic partnership between the two countries.

“Our political relations show excellent results. We maintain dialogue at various levels, which underscores that we have many points of contact and that our positions coincide on many issues,” he said.

The Russian Deputy Prime Minister also expressed condolences over the passing, on 16 September of the distinguished statesman and Co-Chair of the Russian-Cuban Intergovernmental Commission, Ricardo Cabrisas:

“We will always remember him as a consummate professional with remarkable determination and diligence, a wonderful person with whom it was a pleasure to work and communicate.”

The Ambassador added that the Republic of Cuba will soon appoint a new Co-Chair of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, and Technical Cooperation.

The key topic of the meeting was tourism. Dmitry Chernyshenko paid special attention to opportunities for bilateral cooperation within the framework of the ‘Let’s Travel!’ International Tourism Forum and the Forum of Tourist Territories.

“Tourism is now becoming a major economic driver worldwide. The industry’s contribution to global GDP in 2024 exceeded USD 11 trillion, equivalent to 10% of global GDP. The cooperation potential between Russia and Cuba in tourism is tremendous. For our investors, we can arrange a presentation of your investment projects as part of the ‘Let’s Travel!’ International Tourism Forum, which will take place next June. In Moscow, you are participating in the Forum of Tourist Territories. I am confident that new contacts will open up ways for mutually beneficial cooperation,” noted the Russian Deputy Prime Minister.

The Gaviota Tourism Group is participating in the Russian Energy Week and the Forum of Tourist Territories.

Enrique Orta González described cooperation in tourism as proof that the two countries can successfully strengthen and make their trade and economic ties more dynamic.

“We intend to advance tourism further. In carrying out my duties as head of the diplomatic mission, I am ready to assist Russian and Cuban institutions and organizations in every way possible to further develop our trade and economic relations, as well as cooperation in other areas,” stated the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Cuba to the Russian Federation.

Official source: government.ru