EU, Cuba sign historic cooperation deal
Parrilla - Mogherini - Photo EU Council
(BRUSSELS) - The EU's foreign policy chief and Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla Cuban signalled a normalising of EU-Cuba relations Monday with a first ever signing of a legal cooperation framework.
"We are truly at a turning point in the relations between the EU and Cuba", said the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs Federica Mogherini: "Together, we are moving towards a closer and more constructive partnership, one that reflects strong historic, economic and cultural ties that unite Europe and Cuba. Through the new agreement, the EU is ready to support Cuba's process of economic and social modernisation, and I am looking forward to further advancing our bilateral relations."
The Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement will facilitate enhanced political dialogue, improved bilateral cooperation and the development of joint action in multilateral fora.
The agreement aims to support the transition process of the Cuban economy and society. It promotes dialogue and cooperation to encourage sustainable development, democracy and human rights, and find shared solutions to global challenges.
The agreement comprises three main chapters on political dialogue, cooperation and sector policy dialogue as well as trade and trade cooperation.