Putin: Russia ready to take part in modernization of Cuban economy

MOSCOW, Nov 2 (PRIME) -- The Russian business is ready to take active participation in modernization of the Cuban economy, President Vladimir Putin said Friday following talks with his Cuban counterpart Miguel Diaz-Canel.

“The Russian business is ready to actively participate in the implementation of a large-scale program to modernize Cuba’s national economy. Certain projects will be considered today during a meeting between Mr. Diaz-Canel and our leading entrepreneurs,” he said.

Russia is also ready to assist Cuba in modernization of transport infrastructure, Putin said.

“Russia offers Cuba assistance in construction of transport infrastructure facilities. Today we talked about renovation of the Cuban railway network, which will in the future triple the passenger traffic in the country and double cargo traffic,” he said.

Bilateral trade between Russia and Cuba grew 17% in 2017, Putin also said.

Russia favors abolishment of Cuba’s economic blockade introduced by the U.S., a joint statement after the meeting of the two presidents said.

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