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Cuba, Iran united on economic cooperation, rejection of sanctions

Xinhua, August 23, 2016 Adjust font size:

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez met with his Iranian counterpart, Mohammad Javad Zarif, in Havana on Monday with both nations vowing to strengthen economic cooperation and consolidate political ties after years of isolation from Western powers.

Rodriguez received Zarif at Cuba's Foreign Ministry for a discussion about bilateral cooperation and other international issues, particularly the upcoming Non-Aligned Movement summit which will be held in September in Venezuela.

"Iran and Cuba have always maintained unity and bilateral cooperation to reject pressure from Western powers and their intentions to break our relationship apart," said Zarif at the bilateral talks.

The Iranian diplomat is accompanied by a delegation of more than 60 state and private entrepreneurs seeking to boost economic ties between Tehran and Havana.

"Relations between our countries can consolidate and expand in various fields such as industry, nanotechnology, biotechnology, energy and other areas of common interest," said the Iranian minister.

Zarif also expressed Tehran's solidarity against Washington's economic blockade against the island, which remains in place despite a new scenario in Cuba-U.S. relations.

"Our political relations are solid and we always support each other against sanctions and atrocities taken by Western powers against our countries," added Zarif.

Zarif was also quoted as saying by Iran's state-owned Press TV that "the Iranian nation proved that sanctions imposed by big powers cannot drive it away from its policies and viewpoints."

Meanwhile, Cuban Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodriguez, welcomed Zarif and agreed with his counterpart to strengthen economic and commercial cooperation.

"We can enhance our ties in areas like biotechnology, culture, education, industries, energy and other economic fields that are vital for our countries to develop and contribute to a closer relationship between us," said the Cuban minister.

Rodriguez said Havana is "content" with Iran's foreign policy achievements, particularly the nuclear deal reached with P5+1 last year that lifted unilateral economic sanctions against Tehran.

"Cuba supports Iran and its legitimate right to develop nuclear energy with peaceful means. We will continue to reject any sanctions against your country," added the Cuban diplomat.

Last month, both nations agreed to create a joint economic committee to deepen economic cooperation as well as exchanges between Cuban doctors and other advisors.

Havana is the first leg of a six-nation Latin American tour for the Iranian foreign minister who seeks to strengthen Tehran's economic cooperation with the region. Endit