Belarus, Cuba seek to enhance economic cooperation

Belarusian and Cuban leaders on Monday discussed ways to expand economic cooperation between the two countries, the presidential press service said.

While meeting with First Vice President of the Council of State of Cuba Miguel Mario Diaz-Canel Bermudez, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko expressed the belief that the normalization of relations between the U.S. and Cuba will have a positive impact on the Cuban economy.

"We also see Belarus' place in the Cuban economy. We are prepared for this cooperation. Moreover, a good basis was established because about 30 intergovernmental agreements have been signed as part of a solid legal framework," Lukashenko said.

Havana hopes that Belarus will become an important player in the social and infrastructure development and modernization of Cuba, according to the press service.

Cuba also intends to gain Belarusian experience in agro-industrial sphere, and Belarus is willing to enhance cooperation in all fields, it said.

The two parties also discussed scientific and technical cooperation, joint projects in IT, and pharmaceuticals.

Belarus and Cuba stressed the highest level of political dialogue, the coincidence of their positions on key international issues.

Diaz-Canel Bermudez conveyed the best wishes from Cuban President Raul Castro to Lukashenko and invited him to visit Cuba at a time of convenience. Endit