Interview: Cuba-EU deal marks Havana's integration on world stage

The agreement which the EU and Cuba sealed on Friday after 13 years of suspended diplomatic ties shows that Havana is returning to the global stage, said Argentinean expert Jorge Castro in an interview with Xinhua.

What's more, in 10 days, U.S. President Barack Obama will visit the island, which marks the continuation of a period of diplomatic successes for Cuba.

"This shows that Cuba is fully re-integrating onto the world stage as it normalizes its ties," said Castro, head of the Institute of Strategic Planning.

Diplomats from the European Union (EU) and Cuba signed the deal in Havana during a visit by EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini, after almost two years of negotiations.

For Castro, this day "is helping to complete Cuba's process of re-establishing ties. We must now prepare for a full return of transport links, investments, trade, and tourism to the island."

According to Castro, "Cuba is a very important country. Its level of human capital and training is among the highest in Latin America."

"This opening up by Cuba to the world means it will receive large investments, not only from the U.S., but from Europe and Latin America as well, which will help to increase the capacity on the island," he said.

As to which sectors could receive most investment beyond tourism, Castro said healthcare is where Cuba can stand out.

"We need to look at its healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. These areas are where Cuba has international relevance. Investments will go in that direction," he added. Enditem