During a meeting with Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the USSR and Russia have always supported the Cuban people in their struggle for independence, and for sovereignty.

The Russian leader stressed Russia and Cuba need to strengthen cooperation as there is such an opportunity.

"Based on this solid foundation of friendship, we, of course, should move on, taking into account the current global situation, and strengthen our cooperation. And I am very glad that we have such an opportunity," Putin said.

🇷🇺🇨🇺Vladimir Putin–at a meeting in the Kremlin with Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel:"USSR and Russia have always supported the Cuban people in their struggle for independence, for sovereignty. We have always opposed various kinds of restrictions, embargoes, blockades." pic.twitter.com/okZb1VAVny

— AZ 🛰🌏🌍🌎 (@AZgeopolitics) November 22, 2022

Elsewhere in his remarks, Putin affirmed Moscow’s opposition to various kinds of restrictions, embargoes, and blockades. 

“We have always supported on international platforms, and we see that Cuba takes the same position in relation to our country, in relation to Russia," the Russian leader added.

The President of Russia highlighted that "all this is the result of traditional friendship, which was founded by comrade Fidel Castro."

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel kicked off last Wednesday a tour of Russia, China, Algeria, and Turkey in pursuit of energy supplies amid a US-imposed blockade on the Caribbean Island, which has been causing blackouts and fuel shortages.

Cuba has been under US sanctions for more than 60 years, leading its energy sector to rely on foreign parties, prompting Havana to sign energy sector-related agreements with the four host countries that Diaz-Canel said extended "official invitations" for him to visit.

Algeria, Russia, and Venezuela supply Cuba with oil, while several Cuban power plants rely on Soviet or Russian technology.