Brazil, the largest country in Latin America, is experiencing a significant political shift after the presidency of Jair Bolsonaro. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva narrowly defeated Bolsonaro in the last election, prompting renewed interest from Britain in the region. However, British attention to Brazil has historically been sporadic and inadequate. The new administration under Lula da Silva has already implemented numerous changes, but Brazil's importance and potential have often been overlooked [dc469ec8].
Brazil's former president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, aims to revitalize bilateral relations with Cuba and potentially rescue the Cuban economy. Under the previous administration of Jair Bolsonaro, Brazilian-Cuban relations had deteriorated. Lula seeks to strengthen Brazil's leadership role in the world and enhance its position within Latin America. The Cuban government hopes that Lula will grant better terms on interest costs and a longer repayment runway for the debt owed to Brazil's Development Bank. Cuba also desires an increase in two-way trade, with Brazil already holding a yearly surplus. Additionally, Cuba expects Lula to advance its agenda internationally and push the Joe Biden White House toward a more engaged and moderate Cuba policy. A close relationship between Brazil and Cuba would benefit both countries [4aa89782].
In an exclusive interview with The Nation, Cuban President Miguel DĂaz-Canel discusses the future of Cuban socialism, the US blockade, and the economic difficulties facing the island nation. DĂaz-Canel emphasizes the commitment of his generation to the Revolution and the vision of building socialism with social justice. He acknowledges the challenges posed by the US blockade and the need for creative resistance and digital transformation. He also highlights Cuba's contributions to international cooperation, including sending doctors abroad and developing its own vaccines. DĂaz-Canel expresses his dissatisfaction with the current economic performance but affirms the government's commitment to socialism and the development of a mixed economy that includes a private sector. He discusses Cuba's relations with other Latin American countries and its support for regional integration and peace. DĂaz-Canel addresses the issue of Cuban migration and the need to prevent ideological rupture among young people. He also talks about Cuba's position on the war in Ukraine and its commitment to peace and dialogue. The interview concludes with discussions on Cuba's digital transformation, cultural exchange with the United States, and the current state of US-Cuban relations [edd43c9b].
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno RodrĂguez expressed Cuba's desire to build a respectful and civilized relationship with the United States. He mentioned that Cuba has previously demonstrated this willingness in 2015, 2016, and 2017, and believes that expanding and deepening ties with various sectors of US society is important. RodrĂguez acknowledged that Cuba is facing a complicated economic situation due to the economic blockade by the United States, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, and the global economic crisis. He emphasized that Cuba is undergoing a transformative and revolutionary process in its national economy to update the socialist system and make it more efficient. Despite the challenges, Cuba maintains extensive relations with many countries and is recognized for its contributions to peace. The main obstacle to Cuba's development is the US blockade, which is described as a violation of human rights and a direct cause of high migration flows. RodrĂguez expressed gratitude to Cubans living abroad for their support and solidarity. [115d5e1c].
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is in Cuba to discuss stronger economic ties with the economically hard-hit island state. Lavrov met with Cuban President Miguel DĂaz-Canel and Foreign Minister Bruno RodrĂguez. Russia is an important political and economic partner for Cuba, and the volume of trade between the two countries increased ninefold in the first four months of 2023 compared to the same period in the previous year. Lavrov also mentioned that Russia had already granted Cuba two loans for the supply of oil, petroleum products, and food this year. Both Cuba and Russia are subject to U.S. sanctions. Lavrov is scheduled to meet with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and attend a meeting of the G20 foreign ministers in Brazil [4adae0fe].
The Cuban economy is facing significant challenges, as highlighted in a recent visit to the country by Donald Morrison, a columnist for the Berkshire Eagle. Despite the crumbling infrastructure and shortages of basic necessities like food and medicine, the Cuban people remain healthy, educated, and outspoken about their government's shortcomings. The economy has been shrinking, with a high inflation rate and soaring budget deficit. The country has experienced a significant population loss due to emigration, and remittances from overseas relatives and cash tips from tourists are major sources of income. The historical context of Cuba's relationship with the United States, including the influence of the 'Cuba Lobby' and economic sanctions, is also mentioned. The author suggests that the United States has the power to improve the situation in Cuba and highlights the country's potential for growth and development [b245da32].
Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell emphasized the importance of deepening cooperation and solidarity between countries to solve the common challenges that Latin American nations face. Grenada and Cuba have developed a close bilateral relationship over the last 45 years, with Cuba providing immeasurable help to Grenada in areas such as education and healthcare. PM Mitchell signed 45 memorandums of understanding with Cuba to foster cooperation on education, infrastructure, tourism, and the creative economy. He highlighted the importance of solidarity in the development of Caribbean nations and the need for multilateralism and diplomatic conversations to address challenges. Mitchell also emphasized the role of cultural exchange and media in promoting mutual understanding and cooperation between countries [628ca188].
A Spanish solidarity group, the Alhucema Association of Solidarity Initiatives in Seville, has delivered medical supplies and powdered milk to Cuba. The items were acquired through a collection over the last two years in the "solidarity" fair Qué Linda es Cuba. The association dedicates 20% of its income to financing trips and purchasing donations for the Island. The organization has helped Cuba on other occasions, delivering health supplies worth 3,000 euros to two hospitals two years ago and 1,000 euros worth of supplies four years ago. Another donation of 63,000 euros was raised by the French association Cuba Coopération France to support vulnerable sectors and will send a container of powdered milk to the country. The immediate objective is to collect 76,000 euros to send a second shipment of powdered milk to alleviate the impact of the American blockade on the population, particularly children and the elderly. In February, the Cuban government formally requested help from the UN World Food Program to obtain milk for children under the age of seven [37184046].