Today's Edition
HAMAD AL KAABI, MOHAMMAD GHAZAL (DUBAI)
UAE-Cuban relations are entering a new and historic phase and the agreements signed between the two countries provide a solid foundation for strengthened relationships that grow continuously and fruitfully, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez.
In an exclusive interview with Aletihad, the Cuban President voiced appreciation for the UAE leadership’s continued collaboration and willingness to contribute to Cuba’s development, stressing that for several years now, the UAE and Cuba have been working on renewable energy cooperation projects.
“We express our appreciation and gratitude for the willingness of the Emirati leadership to contribute to Cuba's development and, at the same time, to explore Cuba's potential within its regional framework, particularly in the Caribbean,” he said.
President Díaz-Canel said that he recently met with President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and signed the agreements, which represent a significant factor in stimulating economic, financial, and cooperative ties between the two countries to elevate them to the same level as the political relationships.
“We are confident that we are entering a new and historic phase in the relationship between our two countries,” Díaz-Canel said.
In the economic and commercial field, an agreement was signed to promote and mutually protect investments, as well as an agreement to avoid double taxation, both of which are very important documents for supporting and accompanying the business sector. Additionally, a joint business committee was established, and an agreement was signed between the central banks of both countries, the President said.
“Socially and scientifically, memorandums of understanding for environmental and sports cooperation have been achieved. We are also pleased to have a new agreement in the tourism sector,” he continued.
In 2019, a 10-megawatt solar panel park was inaugurated in Cuba, funded by the Abu Dhabi Development Fund, within the framework of the IRENA (International Renewable Energy Agency) Project Facility and the Abu Dhabi Development Fund. This is an important contribution to the Cuban government's goals of reducing the use of fossil fuels for electricity generation and increasing the proportion of energy from renewable sources to 24% by 2030, the President noted.
Currently, two more renewable energy projects have been approved. One of them involves the establishment of five solar parks, expected to generate 14.3 megawatts and 4 megawatts of energy storage on the Isle of Youth; while the other project will benefit the community of the Central University "Marta Abreu" in Las Villas, with the construction of a 3.3-megawatt solar panel park to serve approximately 10,000 people.
Elaborating further on agreements, the President said: “During our official visit, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Environment of Cuba and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment of the UAE. This agreement lays the foundation for developing new cooperative projects in the fields of education, environmental protection, green technologies, blue economy, electrification in the transportation sector, mobilising financial resources, circular economy, and efficient food systems.”
Mangrove Alliance for Climate
Cuba recently applied for formal membership in the Mangrove Alliance for Climate, led by the UAE and Indonesia, which will be beneficial for Cuba as an island nation with significant portions of its coastline covered by mangrove forests.
“This will be an ideal platform for sharing our experience and knowledge in managing and conserving these important ecosystems,” the President said.
Climate Talks a Priority for Developing Nations
“Cuba supports an open, inclusive, and transparent negotiating process, led by the state parties, where a balance is maintained across all negotiated issues. We participate in COP28 not only as a country but also in our capacity as the chair of the Group of 77 and China. The COP28 Presidency and the G-77 and China Presidency share a common vision regarding the challenges and aspirations in environmental issues and the necessity of taking urgent actions for sustainable development, based on international cooperation,” President Díaz-Canel said.
“International climate negotiations are a priority for developing countries, especially for those most vulnerable to climate change. Hence, the importance for the G77 and China to present a united and robust stance to obtain commitments favourable to their needs. In its role as the pro tempore chair of the group, Cuba works towards consensus to maintain the unity of the countries of the South and to defend their historical demands in the climate arena. This was the reason for convening a meeting of the leaders of the G-77 and China within the framework of COP 28 on De
