The upper echelons of Cuba's regime have kept Miguel Díaz-Canel and Manuel Marrero grounded in Havana, far from the global stage, as they focus on defending national sovereignty. Meanwhile, Vice Prime Minister Óscar Pérez-Oliva Fraga is making waves internationally.
On March 27, Pérez-Oliva, who also serves as the Minister of Foreign Trade, represented Cuba at the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council held in Shymkent, Kazakhstan, addressing government leaders and delegations from various nations.
This trip is not just another protocol visit. Pérez-Oliva's participation in this forum enhances his profile as an emerging figure within the regime, coming at a time of increasing external pressure and internal challenges for the Cuban government.
Seeking Economic Partnerships Amid Crisis
Pérez-Oliva's speech focused on positioning Cuba as an economic partner and garnering support during the country's profound crisis, exacerbated by pressure from the United States. The government is engaged in bilateral talks with the U.S. that could shape the island's future.
“We reaffirm our willingness to work together to strengthen the Eurasian Economic Union as an observer country,” Pérez-Oliva declared, emphasizing Havana's interest in solidifying its ties with this bloc, led by Russia and its allies.
The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) comprises five member states: Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Armenia, known for their robust energy and industrial sectors.
From Words to Action: A Call for Joint Projects
During his address, Pérez-Oliva stressed the need to move from declarations to action: “We must advance to a new phase of implementing joint projects.” In line with this, he promoted sectors like energy, biopharmaceuticals, food security, and the development of the Mariel logistics hub as a gateway to Latin America.
International Projection and Political Strategy
Pérez-Oliva's participation in Kazakhstan is significant beyond economic aspects. Forums like these position him as a regime interlocutor on the international stage, contrasting with Díaz-Canel, who is increasingly focused on domestic management and political weariness.
In 2024, Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz participated online in the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council, calling for increased business with Cuba. By 2025, he assured the council, again from Cuba, of the island's firm decision to establish itself as a logistics hub for EAEU goods, aiming to distribute products throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.
Pérez-Oliva's trip and speech demonstrate an attempt to position Cuba as a valuable player on the global board.
“A more comprehensive and strategic view of Cuba's role as an extra-regional partner is required,” Pérez-Oliva stated.
Underlying Challenges and Strategic Openings
However, beneath the surface, Cuba's crisis looms. The vice prime minister acknowledged “a difficult economic situation, especially with fuel availability,” admitting the real impact of the country's oil shortages.
Simultaneously, he attempted to signal controlled openings by discussing “financially sustainable” projects with “high technological content,” and expressing interest in digital transformation and artificial intelligence.
All of this contributes to shaping the image of a leader with technical expertise, negotiation skills, and international reach, precisely when the regime needs fresh faces to sustain itself.
U.S. Pressure and Power Restructuring in Cuba
The speech also carried the regime's usual political tone, with a clear goal of rallying support outside the Western axis. Pérez-Oliva accused Washington of having “intensified its blockade policy to extreme levels” and warned that Trump aims to “overthrow the Cuban revolution.” He also condemned “U.S. and Israeli aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
Despite these remarks, the underlying message points to another reality. The regime urgently needs allies, investment, and economic relief, and to achieve this, figures like Pérez-Oliva are being moved onto the international stage.
As a great-nephew of Fidel and Raúl Castro, with experience in the economic structure of GAESA and a less worn-out profile than other leaders, the vice prime minister emerges as a key figure in the current political landscape.
His presence in Kazakhstan serves not only an economic agenda but also a political positioning strategy.
Amid the pressure from the Trump administration and ongoing negotiations with Washington, the contrast is increasingly evident: while Díaz-Canel loses prominence, Pérez-Oliva begins to occupy spaces that suggest a possible power redirection in Cuba.
Cuba's International Strategy and Economic Partnerships
What is the significance of Óscar Pérez-Oliva's participation in the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council?
Pérez-Oliva's participation highlights his rising profile within the Cuban regime and reflects Cuba's efforts to strengthen economic ties and garner international support amid internal and external pressures.
How does Cuba plan to use the Mariel logistics hub?
Cuba aims to develop the Mariel logistics hub as a key entry point for goods from the Eurasian Economic Union, facilitating distribution throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.