Eighteen young Cubans recently graduated as fire protection engineers from the Academy of the State Fire Service of Russia. The graduation ceremony, held in Red Square in Moscow, also saw 82 students from 13 countries receive their degrees from this academy, which is part of Russia's Ministry of Emergency Situations.
Over five years, the Cuban students were trained in both theoretical and practical aspects, including lab experiments and field exercises, according to a report by the state-run news agency Prensa Latina. Beyond their engineering degrees, the Cubans also obtained certification as drone pilots, a crucial skill for managing emergency situations, the media outlet noted.
Enhanced Skills and International Collaboration
Lieutenant Arnaldo Bombino, a recent graduate, mentioned that they had created a bilingual dictionary in Russian and Spanish, covering key topics and concepts related to firefighting. "All the knowledge and skills acquired in classrooms and training fields will need to be perfected in practice and applied daily at work," stated Alexander Kurenkov, head of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia, during the ceremony.
Vyacheslav Butko, the director of the State Fire Academy and a lieutenant general of the Internal Service, expressed confidence that the character qualities instilled in the institution—determination, loyalty to duty, and readiness to help—will always be inherent in the graduates. He added, "The doors of the university will always be open for the students."
This graduation strengthens Cuba's ties with the Russian government, through exchanges that are leading to significant collaborations in security and military officer training. Recently, it was announced that Cuban police officers and lawyers would also receive training in Russian universities.
"Cuban police officers and lawyers will be trained in Russia. This is very important for strengthening our relations," emphasized Cuban Minister of Justice Oscar Manuel Silvera Martínez following his participation in the St. Petersburg International Legal Forum.
The Cuban official highlighted that these exchanges and training programs help to enhance interaction between the justice ministries of both countries, noting the similarities in many of their institutions, especially legal ones.
FAQ on Cuban-Russian Educational Collaborations
Below are some frequently asked questions regarding the educational collaborations between Cuba and Russia, especially in the context of the recent graduation of Cuban firefighters in Russia.
What degrees did the Cuban students obtain in Russia?
The Cuban students graduated as fire protection engineers from the Academy of the State Fire Service of Russia.
What additional certifications did the Cuban students receive?
In addition to their engineering degrees, the Cuban students were certified as drone pilots, a crucial skill for emergency management.
How does this graduation affect Cuba-Russia relations?
The graduation strengthens Cuba's ties with the Russian government, fostering significant collaborations in security and military officer training.
What did the Cuban Minister of Justice say about these educational exchanges?
Cuban Minister of Justice Oscar Manuel Silvera Martínez emphasized that these exchanges are vital for strengthening relations and enhancing interaction between the justice ministries of both countries.