The minister of External Relationships of the Republic of Cuba, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla and their homologous of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Frans Timmermans. Photo: Radio Rebelde
Relations between Cuba and the Kingdom of the Netherlands are based on the mutual interest of working closely together, based on equality and respect, asserted in this capital Bert Koenders, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the European nation.
The purpose of the visit is to strengthen ties and build bridges between the two peoples, which have always maintained friendly relations, as well as identify economic opportunities for the benefit of both countries and intensify political cooperation, Bert Koenders said in a news conference.
At present, Cuba and the Netherlands exploit new ways for cooperation and strengthen others already established, first, in the area of economic cooperation, agriculture, tourism, energy and ecology, commented the FM.
Koenders acknowledged the huge potential in the field of education and how profitable educational exchanges between Cuba and the Netherlands are being.
At present, the two countries are working on two large investment projects, yet to be specified, he informed.
During the conversation with Cuban and foreign press, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands reaffirmed his country’s rejection of the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed on Cuba by the United States.
In other priorities, the Foreign Minister reasserted the willingness of the Netherlands to act as intermediaries with regard to relations between Cuba and the European Union.
“We think we have been one of the key actors in the encouragement and promotion of the next round of negotiations between Cuba and the European Union” recently announced by the High Representative Federica Mogherini and Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez, he added.
The Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of the Netherlands was received on Thursday by Miguel Diaz-Canel, member of the Political Bureau of the Cuban Communist Party (PCC) and First Vice-president of the Councils of State and Ministers.
Bert Koenders described his official visit to the island so far as fruitful and very positive.
Diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Cuba were established on May 20, 1902, and currently the European country is one of Cuba’s major trading partners, as well as one of the first export destinations of Cuban products.
Cuban First VP receives Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands
Cuba´s First Vice-President Miguel Diaz-Canel received this Thursday morning the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands Bert Koenders.
During the meeting, both leaders spoke of the good bilateral relations, the growth in trade between the two countries, as well as the new investment possibilities in Cuba for Dutch entrepreneurs
Mr Koenders was accompanied by his Deputy for the Western Hemisphere Matthijs C. Wolters and Ambassador to Cuba Norbertus W. M. Braakhuis.
On the Cuban side participated First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Marcelino Medina; Elio Rodríguez, director of Europe and Canada division of the Foreign Ministry and other staff members.
