On August 18, 2026, Lan Yujie, Vice President of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), met with Yohanely Savigne Chacón, Minister Counsellor of the Embassy of Cuba in China. The two sides held in-depth discussions on deepening China-Cuba scientific and technological cooperation and promoting exchanges in the field of basic research.

Vice President Lan stated that over the years, NSFC has cooperated with Cuba's Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (CITMA) through various project types, supporting joint research and personnel exchanges between researchers of both countries. The areas of cooperation have continued to expand, mechanisms have been steadily improved, and outcomes have become increasingly prominent. Looking ahead, NSFC is willing to work with Cuban partners, under the guidance of head-of-state diplomacy, to expand the content and forms of cooperation, strengthen exchanges among young researchers, and continue to deepen and solidify bilateral cooperation.

Ms. Yohanely Savigne Chacón expressed gratitude to NSFC for its long-standing support for China-Cuba scientific and technological cooperation. She noted that scientific and technological cooperation is a key area of bilateral collaboration between Cuba and China. Currently, Cuba is undergoing a new round of institutional reforms and departmental restructuring, with science, technology, and higher education being important components of this reform. The Cuban side is willing to take this visit as an opportunity to further implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state on scientific and technological innovation cooperation, continuously deepen communication and coordination between the two institutions, promote exchanges between researchers, and achieve more tangible results in China-Cuba scientific and technological cooperation.

The two sides also exchanged views on issues such as updating the MoU and launching project cooperation in priority areas. Fan Yingjie, Director General of NSFC’s Bureau of International Cooperation, Li Wencong, Deputy Director General of NSFC’s Bureau of International Cooperation, and relevant staff from the Division of American and Oceanian Affairs attended the meeting.