Brazil and Cuba Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation

With the presence of Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, First Secretary of the Communist Party Central Committee and President of the Republic, and Manuel Marrero Cruz, member of the Politburo and Prime Minister, the high-level Cuba-Brazil meeting on public policies in social protection, sovereignty, and food and nutritional security began.

Addressing the severe effects of the U.S. economic, commercial, and financial blockade on the agricultural sector, Marrero Cruz noted that from March 2024 to February 2025, this genocidal policy caused estimated damages of approximately $7.556 billion, representing a 49 percent increase compared to the previous period.

Damages in this sector alone reached $932,316,224, with a significant reduction in food production due to restricted access to inputs, raw materials, fertilizers, machinery, fuel, chemicals, and new technologies.

The Cuban Prime Minister expressed gratitude for Brazil’s support against the U.S.-imposed blockade, which remains the main obstacle to the country’s development.

Marrero Cruz emphasized that even amid a complex economic scenario, Cuba remains committed to implementing increasingly effective social policies, with a strong focus on food security, aimed at addressing the population’s most pressing needs.

He cited the impacts on the National Electric System and water supply, among other limitations and difficulties, highlighting the persistent severe effects of the blockade and their high incidence on citizens’ well-being.

The Prime Minister explained that the Government Program to correct distortions and revitalize the economy sets out general objectives, including increasing national production with an emphasis on food, and consolidating and expanding social policies to protect vulnerable individuals, families, households, and communities, in a demographic context marked by a high proportion of elderly citizens.

He detailed that this roadmap, which serves as the guiding thread of Cuba’s governance, prioritizes productive programs, particularly the harvest of rice and other grains, aiming to reduce reliance on imports.

Marrero Cruz stressed that mechanisms are being refined to promote foreign investment in the agro-food sector, especially in livestock, poultry, and pork production.

He noted that these dialogue sessions will facilitate the development of joint projects and the identification of new areas for bilateral cooperation.

He acknowledged that Brazil’s support programs, along with contributions from the FAO and other international agencies, have positively impacted food production and national development, reinforcing Cuba’s firm commitment to achieving food sovereignty.