Cuba, Austria to boost economic ties, cooperation

Cuban President Raul Castro on Wednesday met with his Austrian counterpart, Heinz Fischer, discussing ways to strengthen bilateral economic relations and cooperation.

During a "cordial" meeting, the two leaders talked about the positive state of the bilateral relations, the gradual strengthening of economic and trade ties and cooperation, as well as issues of common interest on the international agenda, said a Cuban government press release.

Cooperation between Cuba and Austria has great potential in many areas, including trade, education, tourism, science and technology, said Fischer, who arrived in Cuba on Tuesday night.

He called on the two sides to promote existing projects in such fields as aviation.

During a meeting with Cuban Parliament leader Esteban Lazo, Fischer expressed optimism about the negotiations between Havana and the European Union on normalizing bilateral relations, which is to be held on Thursday and Friday.

Also on Wednesday, Fischer chaired a business forum attended by entrepreneurs from the two countries.

During the visit, Cuban Vice President Ricardo Cabrisas and Director General of the Austrian Bank of Control Rudolf Scholten held a meeting to discuss the current situation and the economic, trade and financial relations between the two countries. Endi