Cuba, Belgium seek to boost economic, political cooperation

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez and his Belgian counterpart Didier Reynders agreed on Monday to boost economic and political cooperation between the two nations as part of Havana's rapprochement with the European Union.

The two senior officials talked as part of Reynders' visit to this Caribbean nation and they affirmed their commitment to increasing collaboration in different fields.

"We would like to deepen our cooperation particularly in the health and culture sectors and I will talk about that with you and other officials during my visit," said Reynders, minutes after being officially received by Rodriguez.

Reynders, who is also Belgium's deputy prime minister, expressed Brussels' will to boost ties with Havana in tourism, biotechnology and trade.

Reynders urged the United States to completely lift the economic and financial embargo against Cuba because it also affects other nations that want to trade with the island.

"We also celebrate the recent political and cooperation agreement between the European Union and Cuba and we would like to help in strengthening relations between our continent and this nation," he added.

Rodriguez thanked his counterpart for Belgium's "contribution" to the reestablishment of relations between the European Union and the island after two decades of political differences.

"For Cuba, ties with Belgium constitute a high priority and we'll like to deepen our economic and financial cooperation," said Rodriguez.

During Reynders' visit, the two nations are expected to sign an agreement to restructure Cuba's debt with Belgium as well as other cooperation accords.

Reynders is set to meet with other Cuban ministers as well as government vice president, Ricardo Cabrisas, and will visit cultural and historic sites during his four-day stay in Havana.

Currently, Havana exports to the European nation rum and tobacco. Endit