Russia and Cuba are continuing to deepen bilateral ties, the Russian Security Council press service reported on Tuesday, following Secretary Nikolay Patrushev’s arrival in Havana.
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel welcomed the senior Russian security official in the capital on Monday. The two discussed issues of practical cooperation in the fields of security, as well as the economy and culture, the council’s press service stated.
Diaz-Canel took the opportunity to pass on his regards to Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying he is watching the leadership [Putin] holds in the international arena with some satisfaction.
Last week, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also visited Cuba to meet with Diaz-Canel and implement practical projects concerning trade, the economy and investment links, among other things.
The sides also discussed the supply of Russian oil and oil products, food and fertilizers to Cuba, which are now particularly important for the Cuban economy, according to Lavrov.
The Russian foreign minister went on to say that they will be looking at expanding opportunities for investment in Cuba, as well as expanding tourism to the country.
In March 2022, Cuba announced the launch of Russia’s alternative to Western payment cards. Several banks in Havana have installed ATM’s displaying the Mir logo, and offer an option to withdraw cash using Russian bank cards in Cuban pesos.
Russia’s Mir payment system has experienced a steady increase in demand for new cards since last year, according to the system’s operator.
Around ten countries worldwide currently use the system, while approximately 15 others have expressed an interest in adopting it.
Last month, Venezuela’s Foreign Minister Yvan Gil Pinto said that Mir is now accepted throughout the country. Caracas started accepting the Russian payment cards in June 2023.
Russian tourism to the Caribbean state was made significantly easier in 2023 after Cuba launched the Mir payment system, allowing point of sale terminals to accept Russian bank cards. Sports, education, and cultural exchanges were also discussed.
Tourists from Russia can now use Mir cards to pay in stores, hotels, restaurants, and other commercial and service establishments throughout the country.
RT. com / ABC Flash Point News 2024.
This is good news, if any imbecile in Washington is paying attention, especially Mr. Graham, then they will change their tune. Russian troops and serious hardware are coming to Cuba to counterbalance the US aggression towards its neighbors.
Cuba would have been much more prosperous had they not re implemented sanctions on her. Oh, how silly of me – the rich never forget… I hope that Russia can help modernize Cuba.
Cuba should get rid of US military prison base in their country. 🤔
Russia needs to remind the USA of how it is to have missiles stationed at their border or how Russia could respond with missiles 90 miles from its own border.