TEHRAN – Iranian Finance and Economic Affairs Minister Ehsan Khandouzi met with Cuban Deputy Prime Minister Ricardo Cabrisas Ruiz in Tehran on Tuesday, during which the officials highlighted the expansion of economic ties between the two countries.

Speaking at the meeting, Khandouzi noted that the Iranian government has always welcomed the establishment of stable and long-term economic relations with Latin American countries, especially Cuba, the ministry’s news portal reported. of the Shada Economy.

“Given the excellent political relations between the two countries, Cuba is of particular importance to the Islamic Republic of Iran,” he added.

Referring to the history of cooperation between the two countries in the areas of health and agriculture, Khandouzi stressed the need to improve economic relations between the two countries and said, “We must take steps serious about developing cooperation and implementing agreements”.

The Minister further pointed to the lack of proper knowledge on trade and economic opportunities and the benefits of trade and investment between the two countries as the main reason for the weak business collaborations between Iran and the Cuban private sectors. .

He then announced that Iran is ready to organize online meetings with the presence of representatives of the government and private sectors of Iran and Cuba in order to exchange knowledge on the trade and investment opportunities of the two countries. .

The official also highlighted the lack of proper legal frameworks to support Iranian private sector activities in Cuba and stressed the need to finalize agreements to encourage and support mutual investments and avoid double taxation between the two countries.

Cabrisas Ruiz, for his part, explained his country’s economic development plans and priorities for economic development, and listed some of the negative factors affecting the Cuban economy, such as economic sanctions, the negative effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, climate change and Ukraine. war.

The official further announced that his country is ready to use the experiences and capabilities of Iranian companies in the implementation of important economic projects in Cuba.

He also pointed to the great capability of Iranian companies in various sectors, including agriculture, energy and health, and stressed the need to increase long-term economic cooperation between the two countries.

As the Cuban President’s special envoy, Cabrisas Ruiz led a high-ranking delegation to Iran to meet with officials of the Islamic Republic and attend the 18th meeting of the Joint Economic Committee of the two countries.

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Pictured: Finance and Economic Affairs Minister Ehsan Khandouzi (right) and Cuban Deputy Prime Minister Ricardo Cabrisas Ruiz meet in Tehran on Tuesday.