Cuba, Russia sign cooperation deals

Cuba and Russia on Thursday signed seven cooperation agreements covering technology, military industry, aviation, medical equipment, and railroad transportation.

The agreements were signed during a visit by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin.

Cuba-Russia cooperation is in its best shape in over two decades thanks to both sides' political willingness to deepen their ties, said Cuban Vice President Ricardo Cabrisas.

Rogozin said Moscow and Havana are key allies in facing "external pressures" from Western powers.

"Several Western countries like the United States try to put pressure on us by imposing sanctions, but Russia and Cuba share the same idea regarding independence and sovereignty," he added.

Russia is one of Cuba's top trading partners and Havana seeks to deepen cooperation with Moscow. The Soviet Union was the island's main ally until its disintegration in 1991.

Rogozin traveled to Havana after visiting Venezuela, where he met with President Nicolas Maduro.

source: Xinhua