Russia and Cuba signed on Monday an agreement to reciprocally recognize education diplomas and academic degrees.

The document was signed by the countries' education ministers Andrei Fursenko, on a visit to Cuba's capital, and Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez.

The two countries reached preliminary agreement on the issue in 2009, and then procedures to coordinate and formalize it started.

"The agreement is aimed at protecting the interests of each specific person, and reflects our efforts to develop science, economics and education both in Cuba and Russia," Fursenko said.

"The agreement reflects historical ties between our nations," Diaz-Canel Bermudez said.

HAVANA, February 9 (RIA Novosti)