Cuba, Russia Expands Trade Cooperation

Havana, Cuba (AHN) - The governments of Russia and Cuba on Monday inked several bilateral trade and economic agreements, in the latest sign of strengthening relations between the two nations.

Visiting Russian Deputy Prime Minister Igor Sechin signed the agreement in behalf of Russia. The deals cover automobile, nickel and oil industry, as well as pledge by Moscow to supply Cuba with wheat.

This was the third visit of Sechin to Cuba in the last three months. His visit is part of his tour of South American countries, including Nicaragua and Venezuela.

Russian President Dmitri Medvedev is also scheduled to visit Cuba later this month, highlighting efforts by both government to further improve ties.

Moscow was the first country to send aid to Cuba when the island-nation was hit by two strong typhoons.

There has been a renewed interest of Russia to increase its influence in the region, including joint naval war exercises with Venezuela.

Last week, Moscow and Caracas signed a memorandum of agreement to put up a joint development bank with an initial infusion of $4 million.