Cuba describes as important implementation of agreement with the EU

HAVANA, Cuba, Jan 4 (ACN) Cuban Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodriguez, said this Thursday that the implementation of the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union (EU) and his country was significant, and ratifies the will to advance in mutual benefit.

During a meeting at the chancellery headquarters with Federica Mogherini, the EU's high representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Cuban minister said that with the signing of that instrument, in December 2016, a new path was opened in the relations between Brussels and Havana.

Rodríguez expressed his willingness to move forward in the common contractual framework established in the agreement, which entered into force on November 1, 2017 and will be provisional until the parliaments of the 28 EU member states ratify it.

He said that it is a demonstration of reciprocal goodwill and respect, which will allow us to understand and advance for mutual benefit in all fields, over and above differences.

The Cuban minister added that after the signing of that instrument there have been fruitful exchanges, and said that Cuba is open to the construction of a new stage in relations with the bloc of European nations.

The EU is an important commercial, economic and cultural partner, and a leading source of tourists to Cuba, said the minister, and assessed the existing potential for increased trade and investment for the development of the Caribbean country until 2030.

Mogherini highlighted the progress made during the last year in strengthening links between the EU and Cuba, and considered that the implementation of the Agreement is a positive step in terms of development and cooperation, and the possibility of overcoming difficulties and finding ground common for future relationships.

She also said that Brussels and Havana share an important bilateral and multilateral agenda, which she hopes will be broadened with the discussion of new developments in Latin America and Europe, as well as global challenges, such as climate change.

In what constitutes her third official visit to Cuba, Mogherini has developed a broad agenda that includes meetings with government authorities, as well as tours of important social and historical facilities of the capital.