Iranian President, Ebrahim Raisi, confirmed today in Havana his country’s commitment to continue its cooperative ties with Cuba, despite the sanctions imposed on both nations.
Raisi, who landed in the Cuban capital on Wednesday night, spoke at a bilateral business forum on Thursday.
He suggested that Iran and Cuba could extend their cooperation to include technology exchanges, energy production, and mining activities.
The President highlighted the significant progress made by Tehran and Havana in the biotechnology sector, exemplified by the joint development of a COVID-19 vaccine, a symbol of their collaborative relationship.
Raisi stated that the forthcoming Joint Intergovernmental Commission for Economic and Commercial Cooperation and Technical Scientific Exchange session aims to create new opportunities for Cuban and Iranian businesses rooted in knowledge-based cooperation.
Making his first official visit to Cuba since his inauguration in 2021, Raisi is set to meet Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel, on Thursday for a round of official discussions.
Raisi’s visit to Havana concludes a Latin American tour that included stops in Venezuela and Nicaragua.
Cuba was among the first nations to recognize the new Republic after the victory of the Islamic Revolution, and diplomatic relations between Havana and Tehran were established on August 8, 1979.