TEHRAN –Iran and Cuba have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to enhance cooperation in postal services.

A delegation led by Information and Communications Technology Minister Sattar Hashemi is paying a visit to South America and the Caribbean region to boost joint efforts in the ICT sector.

The minister has already met Venezuelan Minister of Electrical Energy, Jorge Eliser Marquez. The officials have signed two memorandums of understanding on fostering information, communication, and technology collaborations. 

During a meeting held on Sunday in Havana, Hashemi and Cuban Deputy Prime Minister, Eduardo Martinez Diaz, explored avenues for boosting ICT ties, ISNA reported.

Referring to Iran’s substantial progress in scientific and technological fields, Martinez called for expanding joint activities in artificial intelligence (AI), and telecommunication fields, as well as postal services.

The officials highlighted that there are many opportunities available for fostering cooperation and conducting collaborative efforts.

Iranian official, for his part, announced the country’s readiness to transfer knowledge and expertise in the field of science and technology to Cuba, “by sharing technology, the two countries will start implementing joint activities,” Hashemi noted.

The signed MOU focuses on improving and facilitating postal exchanges between Tehran and Havana, within the framework of the general regulations of the Universal Postal Union (UPU).

Transferring technical knowledge in postal services to help Cuba develop postal infrastructure, promoting international e-commerce between the two countries, and developing cooperation between the two countries in philately are some other goals of the agreement, IRIB quoted the CEO of the National Post Company of Iran, Mohammad Ahmadi, as saying.

Paying a visit to the Scientific-Technological Park of Havana, Hashemi proposed conducting educational courses in the technological sector, particularly robotics and AI, for Cubans.  

The ICT minister is also going to attend the 40th edition of the Havana International Fair (FIHAV) which will take place from November 4 to 9.

This event is a significant platform for business consolidation and strengthening alliances. FIHAV 2024 will serve as a space for participation and exchange between exhibitors, businessmen, and professionals.

Over 50 countries from all regions of the world and 800 companies including Iranian knowledge-based firms are expected to participate in the event.

In September, Hashemi and his Cuban counterpart, Mayra Arevich Marín, discussed ways to bolster cooperation in different fields of ICT.

During a video call on September 24, the officials further reviewed possibilities to enhance ties in artificial intelligence, digital economy, and e-government, as well as post companies, Mehr news agency reported.

The Cuban official proposed and highlighted expanding collaborations based on formerly signed agreements.

He also welcomed the presence of Iranian private companies active in providing ICT-related equipment and services in Cuba.

Hashemi, for his part, announced Iranian private companies’ readiness to provide ICT services in Cuba and expressed optimism to promptly implement needed measures. 

Iran ready to assist Cuba for ICT growth

In July, Issa Zarepour, the former ICT minister, in a meeting with Cuba's First Deputy Minister of Communications, Wilfredo González Vidal, in Tehran said Iranian companies are ready to enter the Cuban market and transfer their experiences in the field of information and communications technology.

“It is important for Havana to develop strategic relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran in all fields,” IRIB quoted the Cuban official as saying.

Underscoring Tehran's experiences and capabilities in areas related to ICT, González Vidal went on to say that boosting cooperation between the two countries is of more importance. “Cuba is eagerly waiting for the presence of Iranian companies in the country to expand the information and communications technology.”

He further noted that since the ICT industry has a special place in the 2030 agenda for sustainable development of the country, the expansion of communication networks and electronic governance are the top priorities for cooperation.

Referring to Iranian companies’ capabilities in the ICT sector, Zarepour, for his part, said that the companies are ready to cooperate with Cuba in different fields such as developing the communications infrastructure, launching various platforms, and implementing optical fiber projects.

They can also help Cuba with the generational transition of the communication network from the second and third to the fourth and even provide the ground for entering the fifth generation. “Moreover, Iran’s experiences in e-governance can be shared with Cuba,” he further noted.

Iran and Cuba have also announced readiness to exchange knowledge and experience in electronic governance and related fields.

The agreement was reached following a memorandum of understanding signed in June 2023 and the subsequent signing of the joint action plan between the two countries.

MT/MG