Cuba Eyes Iranian Cybersecurity, Smart Government Tech

Geneva, Switzerland – April 11, 2025 – In a meeting held on the sidelines of the 28th Session of the Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) in Geneva, Switzerland, Cuba's Deputy Minister of Communications expressed strong interest in leveraging Iranian expertise in the fields of smart governance and cybersecurity. The announcement was made during a discussion between the Cuban Deputy Minister and Dr. Mohammad Mohsen Sadr, Deputy Minister of Information and Communication Technology of Iran and Head of the Information Technology Organization of Iran (ITO).

Dr. Sadr emphasized the importance of expanding and deepening cooperation between Iran and Cuba, citing the existing positive interactions between the two nations. He reiterated Iran's strategic commitment to developing these relationships, referencing the visit of the Cuban Minister of Communications to Iran, during which the country's technological capabilities were showcased. Dr. Sadr affirmed Iran's readiness to collaborate on areas such as e-governance and smart governance, and offered to provide training programs. He also mentioned the signing of a bilateral security agreement between the two countries.

Dr. Sadr concluded by emphasizing the need to establish a joint committee to facilitate coordination between Iran and Cuba.

The Cuban Deputy Minister expressed his satisfaction with the existing engagement and stated that there is a strong will among Cuban officials to strengthen ties with Iran. He noted that Cuban companies are preparing proposals for increased cooperation with Iran and acknowledged the positive interactions in cybersecurity observed in international forums. He also highlighted the presence of Iranian companies at Cuba's technology exhibition last year.

Furthermore, the Cuban Deputy Minister emphasized the importance of gaining a deeper understanding of Iran's technological achievements. He indicated Cuba's strong interest in developing relations, particularly in cybersecurity, and highlighted the planned visit of the Cuban Minister of Communications to Iran as an opportunity to explore further collaboration.

He identified the implementation of smart governance as a priority for Cuban authorities and expressed a desire to benefit from Iranian experience and training in this area. He also extended an invitation to Iranian companies to participate in the 2026 Cuban technology exhibition, promising to send an official invitation. Furthermore, he expressed Cuba's readiness to participate in international events hosted by Iran.