Cuba expands cooperation with Belgium, Holland

Cuba signed cooperation accords in Havana on Friday with Belgium and Holland in the areas of foreign relations and penal law respectively. Cuba's Deputy Foreign Minister Rogelio Sierra and Belgian Ambassador to Cuba Luc Devolder signed a Memorandum of Cooperation in foreign relations to promote friendship, political dialogue and mutual cooperation. The Cuban Foreign Ministry (Minrex) said the accord represents progress in bilateral relations, with an eye to promoting international cooperation under the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter. Meanwhile, a Transfer of Convicted Felons Accord was signed by Cuba's First Deputy Minister of Justice Urbano Jose Pedraza and Dutch Ambassador Norbertus Braakhuis. The Minrex said the document marks an advance in bilateral relations and shows both countries' interest in developing and strengthening international cooperation in penal law. In May, Cuba and Holland signed a declaration to promote bilateral cooperation in areas including healthcare, agriculture, trade and investment, water resources, biotechnology, culture and sports. The new accords brings to 14 the total number of bilateral cooperation accords that Cuba has signed with members of the European Union (EU).