"I am completely sure that the orientation of their policies will not change. It reflects profound interests, I would even say a certain philosophy on developing relations. Cuba's political leadership is completely committed to intensifying comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia and implementing projects which we have been discussing for some time, with new ones being added too," Ryabkov said.
Both sides' intentions to maintain relations are illustrated by the phone conversation that took place between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Cuban Council of State President Raul Castro on Saturday, the foreign ministry official noted.
During the conversation, which took place on the same day when Castro's death was announced, Putin offered condolences and praised the deceased ex-leader for his contribution to Russian-Cuban relations, while the current Cuban leader reaffirmed the country's course toward comprehensive cooperation with Russia.
"I do not see any rivalry or a false "either-or" choice here. I think that we operate on different planes. Secondly, the United States has yet to take significant steps toward normalizing relations in the full sense of the word and to full extent, including lifting the infamous embargo officially and finally," Ryabkov said.
Castro passed away on November 25 at the age of 90. Cuba received many condolences over Castro's death from leaders around the world.
The farewell ceremony for Castro began in Cuba on Monday and will last for nine days. The funeral ceremony scheduled for December 4 will take place in the city of Santiago de Cuba.
