Cuba, Germany to strengthen bilateral cooperation

Cuba and Germany on Thursday signed a joint statement on restoring bilateral cooperation, expressing their joint willingness to promote dialogues and boost ties in an array of fields.

The document is part of the outcome of German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier's visit to the island. Steinmeier and his Cuban counterpart Bruno Rodriguez co-chaired the signing ceremony.

Both countries also signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the establishment of a mechanism for political consultations.

Prior to the ceremony, the two foreign ministers held official talks at the headquarters of the Cuban Foreign Ministry.

Rodriguez stressed the historical significance of Steinmeier's visit, saying it reflects the positive momentum of bilateral ties and a strong mutual interest in their development.

Rodriguez lauded Germany's support at the UN General Assembly to demand the United States end its economic blockade against Cuba.

For his part, Steinmeier expressed his satisfaction at being the first German chief diplomat to visit Havana. The last visit to Cuba by a German minister was made by then Economy Minister Werner Muller in 2001.

Steinmeier's visit is part of a diplomatic process between Cuba and the European Union to seek normalization of ties and a treaty of political dialogue and cooperation.

It comes four days before Cuba and the United States are set to restore diplomatic relations after more than five decades of enmity.