Iran-Cuba economic ties key in countering US sanctions: Raisi

IRNA – Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has said the expansion of strategic ties and economic cooperation between independent nations such as the Islamic Republic and Cuba is crucial in effectively countering the US sanctions.

The Iranian president made the remarks during a Monday meeting with a high-ranking delegation from Cuba headed by President Miguel Diaz-Canel.

President Raisi deemed President Diaz-Canel’s visit to Tehran, the first by a Cuban leader in 22 years, as a “turning point” in the diplomatic ties between the two nations.

He affirmed Iran’s readiness to strengthen cooperation with Cuba in other sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, mining, and energy.

“Today the interests of both nations call for more effective steps to exchange capabilities and experiences,” he added.

The president also emphasized the urgency of activating a joint commission to speed up the implementation of economic and trade agreements between Iran and Cuba.

President Diaz-Canel, in turn, acknowledged the strong political ties between the two nations, citing President Raisi’s recent visit to Cuba and their talks on the sidelines of BRICS and UN General Assembly summits.

He called for expansion of bilateral relations in the face of oppressive sanctions imposed by the United States.