Astana, May 28 (Prensa Latina) Cuban Vice President Salvador Valdés is participating in the Eurasian Economic Forum taking place in the Kazakh capital, the Ministry of Trade and Integration of the Central Asian country announced today.
Upon his arrival, the senior official was greeted by Kazakh Minister of Trade Arman Shakkaliyev, who stressed that the summit’s main objective is to deepen and strengthen trade and economic cooperation.
“Furthermore, the main priority this year is artificial intelligence,” the trade minister emphasized.
On Thursday, the Cuban vice president signed the Joint Action Plan until 2030 between the Caribbean nation and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).
Hours before Valdés’ arrival in Astana, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s plane also landed in the Kazakh city. The president’s state visit will last three days, from May 27 to 29.
During this time, in addition to the bilateral agenda, the Russian leader is expected to address EAEU issues, whose events are being held these days in Astana.
Since the beginning of the year, the situation in Cuba has deteriorated drastically, following the announcement by the US government at the end of January of measures aimed at a total blockade of fuel supplies to the island.
In early May, these measures were reinforced with a new executive order from Washington, which imposes secondary sanctions in the energy sector against countries that intend to supply fuel to the Caribbean nation.
Currently, power outages in Cuba exceed 15 hours, with brief interruptions when service is restored. Furthermore, the island is suffering from a severe shortage of gasoline and diesel.
The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) is an international economic integration association whose members are Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. Iran, Cuba, Moldova, and Uzbekistan have observer status.
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