Luxembourg’s foreign minister, Jean Asselborn, was in Havana, Cuba, this week meeting with representatives of the Cuban government including President Raúl Castro and promoting the possibility of enhanced exchanges between the two countries as Cuba gradually reforms and opens up its economy.
Minister Asselborn in particular emphasised the potentials within the air transport, telecommunications, scientific research and cultural sectors.
In addition to meeting the head of state and his counterpart, Foreign Minister Rodriguez Parilla, Jean Asselborn also met with Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment Minister Rodrigo Malmierca Díaz and National Assembly Vice-President Ana María Machado Nuñez.
In addition to discussing future potential trade links, ministers stressed the desirability of starting negotiations on a double taxation convention between the two countries at an early stage.
Cuba's relations with the European Union also came up, for which the signing of the bilateral agreement on political dialogue and cooperation (ADPC) last December was welcomed. With this important agreement, the EU intends to support Cuba in a continuous process of change and modernisation, providing a solid framework for political dialogue and cooperation, promoting and defending human rights and fundamental freedoms At the heart of relationships.
During his trip to Havana, Minister Asselborn laid a wreath at a commemorative ceremony in front of the monument of Cuban national hero José Marti.
Image: Asselborn at the monument to José Marti. Photo supplied.
