Photo: www.president.gov.by

Development of Belarusian-Cuban relations was discussed during the meeting of Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko with Fidel Castro’s special representatives on 14 June. Scientific products for agriculture were discussed during the meeting among other things. According to Alexander Lukashenko, relations between the two countries have always been and are kind and brotherly:

"We always stood together with you when our country, Cuba, and the Cuban revolution were pressured. We didn’t have some huge potential but economic power was sufficient for our relations. We have never shunned any areas of cooperation with Cuba. The state of affairs still continues. My meeting with Fidel Castro several years before had left a lasting impression. He has always been an embodiment of courage for us. When I learned about the purpose of today’s meeting, I was a bit stunned by how much this man knows about today’s problems in Cuba and by his grasp of science. In particular, agricultural industry’s development. We would be greatly pleased to use your scientific research in the area of crop and animal husbandry for the sake of benefiting not only Cuba but Belarus, too."

In turn, Fidel Castro’s aide Guillermo Perez thanked the Belarusian side for the warm welcome and attention during the visit and the opportunity to get to know Belarus and its nation:

"We are leaving with the kindest and most beautiful impressions. For the first time our comandante raised the matters we are going to touch upon only together with the Belarusian people. I would like to once again express our deepest gratitude and once more assure you of our lasting and inviolable friendship."

After the meeting Deputy Prime Minister Mikhail Rusy told media that Belarusian crop breeders are most interested in Cuban accomplishments in breeding various varieties of oil-bearing crops with high protein in dry conditions and on barren soil. Mikhail Rusy also explained why the Cuban side had chosen Belarus for sharing their experience. First of all, Belarusian crop breeders work effectively, creating new varieties of plants. Apart from that, the Belarusian and Cuban crop husbandry genetic banks have been working together for a long time. Sharing the scientific experience in the area of agriculture was not the only topic for discussion during the meeting. The meeting also touched upon the development of trade and economic cooperation between the two countries. The Cuban guests had visited several Belarusian enterprises before the meeting.