According to Shoigu, bilateral relations between Russia and Cuba are "developing dynamically" and the two countries have very similar approaches to the issues of global and regional security.
"Our countries are connected by mutual interest in establishing a just and polycentric world order based on equal rights and the respect of international law," Shoigu said.
"We are grateful to the Cuban side for the welcome it gives to Russian military ships and vessels on their entry to the Havana port and are interesting in broadening cooperation in the naval field," Shoigu said, also thanking Castro for the warm welcome of the Russian delegation in Cuba.
According to the defense minister, "the time-tested warm relations between Russia and Cuba are acquiring a new dynamic", largely thanks to the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Havana in July, 2014.
Shoigu's visit to Cuba wraps up his three-day Latin American tour, which also included visits to Venezuela and Nicaragua. Russia is actively pursuing cooperation with Latin American countries, particularly in the sphere of defense amid NATO's military expansion in Eastern Europe, a tendency that has raised concerns in Moscow.
