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MINSK, 23 May (BelTA) – Belarus is ready to assist Cuba in establishing modern telecommunications (TC) and computer systems, Belarusian Prime Minister Andrei Kobyakov said as he met with First Vice President of the Council of State, the Council of Ministers of Cuba Miguel Mario Diaz-Canel Bermudez on 23 May, BelTA has learned.

Andrei Kobyakov emphasized that the relations between Belarus and Cuba have reached a high level of mutual confidence and respect. The countries have established a political and economic basis for cooperation. Belarus and Cuba have over 30 international agreements. “The cooperation between the two states has a solid foundation. We have achieved a high level of strategic partnership that can serve as an example to follow for other countries,” the head of the Belarusian government believes.

The Belarusian Prime Minister stated that the trade between Belarus and Cuba is constantly growing. In 2015 it amounted to $67.3 million, which is one and a half times more than in 2014. The bilateral trade was balanced. Belarus’ exports stood at $36.3 million with imports at $31 million. However, in Q1 2016 Belarus’ imports outstripped exports. Andrei Kobyakov gave instructions to consider ways to improve the situation.

Belarus and Cuba are working to implement a number of mutually beneficial economic projects. For instance, facilities to assemble cabs for MAZ vehicles at an enterprise in Santiago de Cuba is under construction. The parties are also considering the possibility of assembling Belagromash farm machines in Cuba and opening representative offices of MAZ and MTZ there. “We expect to implement the contracts to supply MTZ repair kits and MAZ vehicles,” Andrei Kobyakov stressed. The countries are drawing up contracts to supply StankoGomel, Belagromash, MTZ, and Minsk Motor Plant products to Cuba.

The head of the Belarusian government pointed out that the close political and economic interaction is accompanied by cooperation in scientific, technical, cultural, humanitarian areas and education. For example, there is a Belarusian-Cuban commission for cooperation in science and technology. Belarus suggested drawing up a draft concept for the establishment of a high-tech park in Cuba. “Belarus is ready to assist you in creating cutting edge telecommunications and computer systems. I invite you to discuss these promising cooperation areas,” Andrei Kobyakov said.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the relations between Belarus and Cuba are open and sincere. He invited Miguel Mario Diaz-Canel Bermudez to discuss in detail the items on the bilateral agenda.

Miguel Mario Diaz-Canel Bermudez thanked the Belarusian side for hospitality and the opportunity to meet with gov