Delegation of Belarusian scientists met with Cuban President
The Belarusian delegation headed by the Chief Academic Secretary of the National Academy of Sciences Vasily Gursky took part in a meeting of the National Innovation Council chaired by Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez – as reported in the press service of the Belarusian diplomatic mission in Cuba
photo: www.cuba.mfa.gov.by
The discussion primarily tackled the formation and development of Belarus’ socio-economic model and the impact that the management of scientific, sci-tech and innovative activities had on it. Following the meeting, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez suggested creating a working group headed by Deputy Prime Minister Inés María Chapman Waugh, whose task is to analyse the experience of Belarus’ development and adopt its elements for the Cuban system of science and innovation.
As Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Cuba to Belarus Santiago Perez Benitez noted, the current visit of the Belarusian delegation to Cuba is a consequence of the intensive relations between the two countries in science. He recalled that a number of meetings between representatives of this sphere took place last year, which became very productive. In particular, the Belarusian delegation’s visit to Cuba in November 2022 resulted in signing of over 30 documents on co-operation between the two countries’ scientific centres. During the recent visit to Belarus by representatives of the Cuban Health Ministry a range of proposals for interaction was discussed, including in science.
“The frequent meetings of the heads of Belarusian and Cuban departments in the field of science are based on mutual interests in its development. Both countries are looking for new ways in the era of sanctions imposed by the West against Belarus recently, and against Cuba – sixty years ago. After the meeting of the National Innovation Council the Belarusian delegation had an official meeting with the President and Prime Minister of Cuba, which testifies to a special attitude towards your country. This is a sign to the Belarusian people that they have true friends who recognise the successes achieved during the years of independence of the country and its leader Aleksandr Lukashenko. Of course, the meeting of Belarusian scientists with Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez is also a political gesture of support for Belarus. We want to tell them that even in difficult times – when the West is trying to isolate your country – Cuba is ready to extend a friendly hand, as has been always done by Belarus in our direction,” said Santiago Perez Benitez.
He also noted that the meeting of the Belarusian delegation at the highest level opens up new opportunities for co-operation in science, because Belarus and Cuba have the same approach here. “We also believe that science should be strong not only in fundamental and theoretical areas, but also in practice. It can become a productive force. Cuba is ready to adopt the Belarusian experience in science and innovation, while our developments may be of great interest to you in biotechnology and a number of scientific fields, such as biology,” the Ambassador added. He is confident that science will determine the future in the development of society – both Cuban and Belarusian. “In June, we expect a meeting of the intergovernmental commission in Minsk. I am sure that our countries have great prospects for collaboration in science and medicine,” summed up Santiago Perez Benitez.
