On September 4, 2023, NSFC President Dr. Dou Xiankang met with Cuban Academy of Sciences delegation led by its president Dr. Luis Velázquez.

President Dou Xiankang welcomed the visit of Dr. Velázquez and his delegation. He said that China and Cuba share close cooperation, and NSFC always maintains an open attitude to promoting international exchange and cooperation of the scientific communities. He also stressed that NSFC attaches great importance to the cooperation with countries in Latin America and will continue to strengthen China-Cuba scientific research cooperation and exchanges. At present, NSFC is preparing for the renewal of the MOU with Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment of Cuba (CITMA). Under the framework of the MOU, NSFC is committed to jointly support bilateral scientific research with CITMA.

Dr. Velázquez stated that developing and deepening cooperation between Cuba and China in the field of science and technology is of great significance to both sides. He acknowledged the fundamental role of the MOU in bilateral scientific cooperation and expressed his willingness to expand bilateral cooperation with NSFC in biomedical sciences including neuroscience. Besides, he welcomed Chinese scientists to participate in China-Cuba cooperative research projects thereafter.

Dr. Yin Wenxuan, Deputy Director General of NSFC’s Bureau of International Cooperation and other officials attended the meeting.