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Russia ready to strengthen strategic partnership with Cuba, says Putin

According to Kremlin’s press service, Putin sent a congratulatory telegram to Diaz-Canel Bermudes

© Mikhail Metzel/TASS

MOSCOW, April 19. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudes on his election as President of Cuba’s Council of State. The Russian leader also sent a telegram to Raul Castro, thanking him for fruitful cooperation over the years.

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According to Kremlin’s press service, Putin sent a congratulatory telegram to Diaz-Canel Bermudes, in which he "expressed his confidence that the country will continue to achieve the goals proclaimed after the Cuban revolution under new leadership, and that it will reach new milestones of social and economic development." "Putin stressed that Russia highly assess its relations with Cuba that are based on a long tradition of friendship and mutual respect, and confirmed that Russia is ready to continue strengthening strategic partnership with Cuba and constructive cooperation in all spheres," the Kremlin noted.

In a telegram to Raul Castro, the Russian leader "thanked him for fruitful cooperation over many years which ensured steady development of Cuba-Russia relations." "Putin highlighted that Castro is much respected in Russia and is considered a true friend of the nation, a wise and forward-looking politician who has contributed to the resolution of many crucial social and economic issues in Cuba. He also has done a lot to protect Cuba’s sovereignty and strengthen its positions on the global stage," the Kremlin said.

The Russian president "has expressed his confidence that Castro will continue to facilitate strategic partnership between the two countries as head of the Communist Party of Cuba," the press service added.

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