RUSSIAN PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN BEGINS TODAY OFFICIAL VISIT TO CUBA

The visit implies signing a number of documents, including a joint statement, the agreements on assistance in the field of law, double taxation relief, health ministries co-operation, the co-operation of the two countries for 2001-2005, and some others, said Sergei Prikhodko, the presidential administration’s deputy head, as quoted by Interfax. The countries’ leaders are presumed to discuss Russia’s aid in constructing a number of large plants in Cuba which has been frozen due to lack of funds (in particular, the nickel combine Las Camaliocas and a nuclear power plant in Huragua are mentioned here). Cuba’s USSR debt repayment is also expected to be on the agenda. According to some estimations, it comes to $20bn (the Cuban side does not recognize its debt at such an amount, though). Marshal Igor Sergeyev, the defence minister, who will also accompany President Putin, is to discuss the issues of military co-operation with his Cuban counterpart. Mr. Putin’s visit to Cuba will last until December 17th after which he is scheduled to visit Canada.