Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin (standing) with Deputy Prime Minister Igor Sechin
Photo: Dmitry Azarov
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Putin Wants to Restore Position in Cuba
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin stated at the presidium of the Russian government on Monday that Russia “should restore its position in Cuba and other countries.” He was listening to Deputy Prime Minister Igor Sechin’s account of his trip to Cuba as cochairman of the Russian-intergovernmental Cuban commission. The prime minister asked how many years it has been since the commission has been active, and Sechin responded that the last meeting was in April of this year.
“We founded nine working groups to implement specific projects and we will report to you o additional proposals by January,” Sechin told Putin. Sechin added that he met with Cuban head of state Raul Castro while there. “He said to tell you hello,” Sechin said. Putin asked about Fidel Castro’s health. “Those questions were not discussed at the meeting, but he always says remembers you contacts with gratitude,” Sechin replied.
During the meeting of the Russian-Cuban commission, Sechin said, priorities for cooperation in energy, mining, agriculture, transportation, tourism and banking were set. In addition, agreements were signed on the purchase by Cuba of Russian Tu-204 airplanes and airplane engines and a separate agreement was signed on the assembly of KAMAZ trucks in Cuba. Sechin noted that automakers AvtoVAZ, ZiL and GAZ are also negotiating with Cuba.
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