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UAE, Cuba eye close economic ties

Xinhua, October 24, 2015 Adjust font size:

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Cuba announced on Friday to enhance bilateral economic and investment ties at the Emirati-Cuban Business Forum, state news agency WAM reported.

Abdullah bin Ahmed Al-Saleh, UAE Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Economy for Foreign Trade and Industry Affairs, met with Cuban Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment Rodrigo Malmierca at the forum, talking about bilateral economic and investment relations.

Al-Saleh said the UAE government is keen to strengthen economic and investment ties with Cuba.

He also stressed the importance of opening air bridges to enable businesspersons, tourists and cargo flow between the two countries.

No direct passenger or cargo flight connections exist between the UAE and Cuba as yet.

The official said both governments should promote investment atmosphere for the private sector to encourage investment.

For his part, the Cuban minister commended the progress of the UAE's economy and the vision of the government to transform the state into a vital economic hub in the region.

He called for the Emirati private sector to invest in his country, and emphasised the importance of strengthening bilateral economic relations.

Diplomatic relations between the Gulf Arab states and the Caribbean island state were established in March 2002.

In May 2014, the two countries reached an skies agreement, allowing airlines of both countries to fly over each other's territory.

Cuba's international diplomatic stance gained profile after the United States agreed to reestablish diplomatic ties with it in July. Endit