Cuba and International Telecommunication Union hold talks

HAVANA, Cuba, May 27 (acn) Officials from Cuba and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) discussed issues of common interest, in the context of the Council of the institution which meets in Geneva until June 2, reports Prensa Latina.

Jorge Luis Perdomo, Cuba's First Deputy Minister of Communications, held a meeting with ITU secretary general and deputy secretary general, Houlin Zhao and Malcolm Johnson, respectively, diplomatic sources reported.
Perdomo emphasized the importance of continuing to strengthen relations between the two sides in the field of telecommunications and information technologies in Cuba.
He referred to the strategic development plan of the country until 2030, which includes information and communications technology (ICT) as a sector that directly contributes to the economic and social development.
The national strategy for the development of broadband will respond to this priority taking into account the economic and investment possibilities, the official said.
He also explained the concept aimed to expand the use of ICT and raise the welfare of population as part of efforts in the process of computerization of Cuban society.
He defended the concept of technological sovereignty to ensure the proper use of these technologies at the service of national interests.
Perdomo also referred to the country's efforts to accelerate its economic and social development, despite the obstacles that still persist because of the blockade imposed by the US government.
During the meeting it was also discussed the importance Cuba grants to the role of ITU in strengthening cyber security and the need to improve mechanisms for joint cooperation of the states to prevent cyberspace to become theater of military operations and computer crimes.
The senior managers of ITU recognized Cuba's international prestige in the field of skills and knowledge of ICT as well as its engagement and activism in relation to the work of this international organization, stated a statement of the Permanent Mission of Cuba in Geneva.