Moscow, June 12 (RHC)-- The chairman of the International Affairs Committee of the Federation Council (Senate) of Russia, Grigory Karasin, said that his country and Cuba develop cooperation in all spheres, including interregional relations, highlighted the national parliament website.

'Cuba is a strategic ally of Russia. Our countries have developed historical alliances, relations of trust,' Karasin noted during a meeting on Friday with Havana's ambassador to Moscow, Julio Garmendia.

He recalled that in early June, the Russian Senate approved an annual declaration on the need to end the U.S. economic blockade against the Caribbean nation.

According to Karasin, sanctions and restrictions are contrary to international practice, the UN Charter, and common sense.

Garmendía, in turn, thanked the Federation Council for adopting the proclamation of support for Cuba and highlighted the progress of cooperation between the two countries and within the framework of international organizations.

The head of the Cuban diplomatic mission in Russia expressed confidence that mutual visits between representatives of the parliaments of the two countries will be resumed this year and in 2022, after being canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The parties discussed the possibility of joint efforts to combat the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus and conduct an effective vaccination campaign among the population.

The statement adopted by the Russian Senate on June 2 stressed that in modern conditions when the world is facing Covid-19, the U.S. restrictions against Cuba 'run counter to the efforts of the world community.