High Ranking European Official Visits Old Havana

HAVANA, Cuba, Jan 3 (ACN) High-ranking representative for the European Union's Foreign Policy, Federica Mogherini visited on Wednesday the Cuba-Europe Cultural Relations Interpretation Center located in the Segundo Cabo Palace in the colonial section of Old Havana.

Accompanied by the City Historian Eusebio Leal, Mogherini toured the installation inaugurated May of last year after completing a restoration process with the support of the EU, UNESCO and Cuban institutions.

The also Vice President of the European Commission saw the modern equipment in the Center which allows visitors to experience more interaction with history and the development of artistic manifestations in Cuba and the Old continent.

Located in the Plaza de Armas, the majestic Baroque style building was constructed between 1772 and 1790 as residence of the Second Corporal (Segundo Cabo), the most important figure in colonial Cuba after the Captain General.

As part of the tour through the center of the city, the distinguished visitor also visited an institute for adolescences that has the financial support of European cooperation, UNICEF and the Office of the City Historian.

Mogherini also meet with Cuban Culture Minister, Abel Prieto aimed at strengthening ties between Havana and Brussels.

Previously the high-ranking European official offered a master conference in the San Geronimo University in Old Havana in which she condemned Washington's economic, commercial and financial blockade against Cuba.

This is Mogherini's third visit to Cuba after the accord between Havana and Brussels which established the mechanisms for political and cooperation dialog that came into effect last November 1st, with provisional character until the Parliaments of the 28 member states of the EU ratifies the agreement.