By Roberto Morejon
 
The working visit of Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero to the United Arab Emirates is useful for the ties of both states, bent on expanding collaboration.

The Premier of the largest of the Antilles attended the World Summit of Governments, a relevant event because with the support of the host country contributes to transform the actions of officials, with more modern and efficient methodologies, in the heat of the advances in science, technology and innovation.

In addition to his intervention in the summit meeting, the Head of Government of Cuba fulfilled an intense agenda of meetings and signing of documents with officials of the United Arab Emirates.

For the Caribbean nation, a high consumer of fossil fuels, the support of the Middle Eastern country in the development of renewable energy projects is decisive.

During his working visit, the Premier explored the possibility of extending collaboration with his interlocutors in that sphere and others, in light of agreements signed during President Miguel Diaz-Canel's stay in the Persian Gulf country last November.

The two governments are already working on investment agreements, a joint venture in domestic trade, physical culture, sports and the modernization of Cuba's water infrastructure.  

During the Prime Minister's visit, Cuba and the United Arab Emirates signed a document on government modernization through the exchange of knowledge and practices with a view to capacity building of public officials.

In addition to the interest of Emirati authorities in investing in Cuba's tourism and agriculture, a very important triangular announcement was made.

The initiative, which responds to an agreement reached last November, will support food and nutritional security for Cubans thanks to the financial support of the United Arab Emirates and the delivery of foodstuffs from Brazil.The initiative will also promote specialized projects in production, distribution and support for sustainable agricultural systems.

The news is encouraging for Cuban agriculture, which suffers from insufficient inputs due to the U.S. blockade and lack of financing.   

For Cuba, whose development task is especially hard, as Marrero said, it is stimulating to participate in programs such as those offered by the United Arab Emirates, a resourceful country willing to engage in broad bilateral collaboration.