1st Ld Writethru: EU foreign affairs chief to visit Cuba in late March

The European Union(EU) foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini will vist Cuban capital Havana from March 23 to 24, according to a press release issued by European External Action Service here on Saturday.

Mogherini, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission, will discuss with her Cuban interlocutors developments in the country and perspectives for EU-Cuba cooperation.

During her visit, Mogherini will have institutional meetings, including with her Cuban counterpart, Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez, and other Cuban government interlocutors. She will also meet the Archbishop of Havana, Cardinal Ortega, and representatives of civil society, according to the press release.

This is the first visit of a European Union High Representative to Cuba and comes at a crucial time for the negotiations between the EU and Cuba.

"Cuba is facing a very interesting period and the European Union is keen to see how we can take the relationship forward with strong momentum. The EU has been closely following the developments in Cuba and its relations with key international players, which create new dynamics in the region and in Cuba itself, and provide new opportunities for all", said Mogherini upon announcement of her visit. Endit