Mr Sechin said that Russian-Cuban relations had risen to a new level. "The first, and most difficult, steps toward ensuring the growing dynamics of our relations have been taken," he said.

The Deputy Prime Minister stressed that the commission meeting and other efforts would "advance Russian-Cuban cooperation to a new level, including in the field of trade and economic relations."

The participants in the commission meeting "are facing a responsible task of preparing the upcoming visit by Raul Castro in terms of practical aspects of economic cooperation," he said.

Mr Sechin also congratulated the guests on behalf of the Russian Government on the 50th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution.

During a two-day meeting, the participants will discuss development of bilateral cooperation in the economy, energy, industries, chemistry, medicine, education, and tourism.