Lavrov on Cuba: ‘Loyal allies and friends’

On Monday (Oct. 20), Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov delivered an important speech on foreign policy at the invitation of the Civilian University in Moscow. Progreso Weekly reproduces here the segment devoted to Russia’s relations with Cuba, as translated by the Russian Foreign Ministry. Those wishing to read the entire speech, may click here.

[Photo shows Lavrov, at left, and Vyacheslav Nikonov, member of the Supreme Council of Russia’s ruling political party, United Russia.]

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Cuba is our long-time partner, a legendary country and a symbol of freedom in Latin America. Even the outwardly pro-Western nations in the region support Cuba without exception. This reflects the recognition of the fact that freedom is something more than just following the U.S. mantra, which states that all those who are for democracy and freedom must be on its side.

Indeed, following the collapse of the Soviet Union, there was a long pause, rather than a cooldown, in our relations not only with Cuba, but other Latin American, African and Asian countries as well. That didn’t happen only because the Russian leadership believed at that time that we didn’t need many of our partners in the Third World and that our close ties with the West would almost automatically resolve all of our problems, but also because we didn’t have sufficient means and resources. We were up to the hilt with our own problems, and labor and money were in short supply as well. A number of embassies, especially in African countries, were closed.

However, in the past decade, we started thinking about our old friends again (the trend emerged in the 2000s and continues unabated). There’s also an important moral factor when people who are genuinely attracted to us, have finally felt that we haven’t forgotten about them. It is important for us to be and feel loyal allies and friends with regard to those who have the same feelings towards us.

The second factor is not so moral in nature, but also is important and pragmatic. These people not only share common values with us during conversations and personal meetings, but are prepared to uphold them on the international arena. We could see that in their positions on many critical issues of world politics in recent years, including a vote on Crimea during a meeting of the U.N. General Assembly, where the vast majority of Latin American countries supported not the western position but ours. We could see that during voting on resolutions about Abkhazia and South Ossetia as well.

In recent years, our contacts with Cuba have been re-invigorated at all levels. They are not limited to talking. We have signed several intergovernmental and corporate documents. Russian companies and their Cuban partners are actively involved in a number of major long-term projects. President Putin visited Cuba this year. Before that, I went there on a visit. I believe the prospects are good.

The Americans never raise the issue of Cuba during our contacts. We do, and do so regularly, trying to convince (with no results so far) them that the unilateral trade embargo against Havana is pointless and damaging, primarily, for the United States, because Europe and Canada are actively investing in Cuba. Russia is also active in Cuba, especially lately.

Interestingly, there’s no anti-Americanism in Cuba. It is absolutely open to cooperation. They have their pride, they are willing to discuss issues, including with the Americans, based on justice and equality. There is no bias on their part. They are a very freedom-loving, proud and dignified people. Things that Cuba does for its partners in Latin America in the field of healthcare are recognized by all, and we heard such praise coming from the leaders of Brazil, Argentina and Venezuela. Cuban doctors are a top quality brand. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry was forced to admit this the other day, when he praised Cuba’s decision to send tens, and later hundreds of specialist doctors to deal with Ebola in Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone.

I’m convinced that Cuba has very good prospects as a country, and, accordingly, the outlook on our cooperation with that fraternal country is also good.