Russian, Cuban deputy PMs discuss key areas of bilateral cooperation

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko has discussed key areas of bilateral cooperation with Cuban Deputy Prime Minister Ricardo Cabrisas during a working visit to Cuba, a statement published on the Russian government website said.

Chernyshenko said that Russia is ready to provide emergency assistance to the Cuban energy sector, the statement said.

"It includes around 80,000 tonnes of diesel fuel worth of $60 million. The Russian government disbursed the funds to ensure continuous power supply for at least two months," Chernyshenko said, adding that specialists from the Russian Energy Ministry, Rosseti and the Russian Emergency Situations Ministry started working with the local authorities.

Cabrisas said the Cuban economy was experiencing certain problems caused by natural calamities and the U.S. economic blockade.

Russia is cooperating with Cuba in energy, industries and agriculture, including an upgrade of an oil refinery, construction of solar power plants, an upgrade of a metallurgical plant, and development of agriculture by wheat and fertilizer supply, the statement said.

Chernyshenko and Cabrisas signed an additional agreement to the plan for development of key areas of Russian-Cuban cooperation in the period until 2030.