HAVANA, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov said here on Tuesday that Russia is committed to long-term cooperation in Cuba's development plans, according to a release from the island's government.
In a meeting with Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel, the senior Russian official reaffirmed Moscow's willingness to "actively participate in the long-term development plans," the government said.
Cuba described the meeting as "friendly" and said Borisov hailed the excellent state of bilateral ties, especially in the economic sphere.
Borisov is heading Russia's delegation to Cuba's biggest annual trade show, the 2018 Havana International Fair, which lasts till Friday.
He is also presiding over the 16th session of the Cuban-Russian Intergovernmental Commission for economic-commercial and scientific-technical collaboration, which is taking place at the same time.
On Monday, Borisov met with Ricardo Cabrisas, Vice President of Cuba's Council of Ministers, to discuss expanding bilateral ties and Russia's participation in the government's 2030 Economic and Social Development Plan.
The two officials reviewed the status of several projects considered priorities for the Caribbean nation in the sectors of energy, transport, industry, communications, health and agriculture, in which Russia has a "relevant" role.
Cuba and Russia have been close allies since the Cold War era. Ties lapsed somewhat following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, but strengthened again in the 2000s.
