We conceive relations between Cuba and France strengthened in the academic field as an indispensable support for scientific, cultural, sports and economic cooperation, he stressed in the presence of representatives of the government and local universities and nearly thirty directors of International Relations from Cuban high education institutions.

According to the diplomat, Cuba is committed to collaborate in this sector due to its contribution to socioeconomic development and the search for solutions in challenging times.

In that regard, he recalled the particular context in which Cuba lives, subjected to more than six decades of a blockade imposed by the United States to suffocate it. Proof of this interest in links in higher education, research and innovation is the participation here of 28 executives from our universities, he said.

Vaillant praised the signing of 87 bilateral agreements since 2018 and the approval of six projects of the Solidarity Fund for Innovative Projects (FSPI).

We all face the challenge of giving light and life to these agreements and making them a reality for the well-being of both nations, he added.

The head of the Cuban delegation, María Victoria Villavicencio, said that Cuba’s presence in France is the materialization of a project sponsored by the FSPI to strengthen the internationalization strategy of Cuban universities.

She also valued the importance of identifying new opportunities for academic exchange.

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