Cuba and the United Arab Emirates to strengthen relations

The upcoming visit of Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), in the context of the World Summit of Governments to be held in Dubai from February 12 to 14, seeks to further strengthen political and economic relations between the two countries, with the signing of important agreements to promote investment and mutual cooperation.

This was stated by the Cuban Presidency on its website, with a text summarizing the rich history of friendship and solidarity between the two countries, fostered from the beginning by Fidel Castro, Historical Leader of the Cuban Revolution, and Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyane.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations on March 18, 2002, they have worked to increase economic and commercial ties, highlighting the exchange of high-level delegations.

The official visit of Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez to the UAE in 2023 to participate in the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 28) laid the groundwork for cooperation in areas such as tourism, agriculture, biotechnology and renewable energy.

The Arab country has contributed to the development of projects of economic and social impact in Cuba through the Arab Development Fund of Abu Dhabi and highlights its willingness to collaborate in strategic areas that directly affect the National Economic and Social Development Plan until 2030, after talks between the Cuban and Emirati leaders in Dubai.

The collaboration between the two countries is also reflected in the joint work of the Henry Reeve medical brigade and Emirati colleagues, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.Medical support included setting up hospital institutions and delivering medical supplies.In addition, the UAE has shown support in times of natural disasters, such as Hurricane Irma and the passage of a tornado in Havana.

Relations also stand out for the convergence of positions in international forums, including issues such as human rights, concerns about climate change, the rejection of the blockade imposed by the United States on Cuba and the defense of the just cause of the Palestinian people.

The visit of Deputy Prime Minister Ricardo Cabrisas Ruiz to the United Arab Emirates in November 2023, together with a Cuban delegation, boosted the development of economic and trade relations

In turn, Cuba received Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, the then Emirati Minister of Climate Change and Environment, during the G-77 and China Summit in 2023, strengthening fraternal ties between the two countries.

Recently, the UAE News Agency and Cuba's Ideas Multimedios signed a memorandum of understanding, seeking to establish working links in communication.Cultural exchange has also been significant, such as the presentation of the Cuban National Ballet in Abu Dhabi in 2022, highlighting the emotional connection between the peoples.

This relationship reflects mutual affection and gratitude, promoting continued cooperation for the benefit of both countries.Marrero Cruz will arrive in the UAE to participate in the World Government Summit, a knowledge exchange platform that, from innovation and technology, seeks solutions to global challenges; and which will bring together heads of states, ministers, private sector leaders and global experts to contribute to the development of tools, policies and models essential in shaping the governments of the future.