Cuba, Netherlands agree to boost bilateral consultations

Cuba and the Netherlands agreed Tuesday to promote bilateral consultations on issues of mutual interest. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez and his Dutch counterpart, Frans Timmermans, signed a memorandum of understanding on the establishment of a mechanism for bilateral consultations. Timmermans called on the two sides to carry out "very open discussions" on political and economic matters. The Netherlands has "strong trade interest" in Cuba, the Dutch foreign minister said, adding Cuba has served as a bridge between America and Europe. Dialogue between Europe, the Netherlands and Cuba is "extremely important for the development of the entire (Latin American) region," Timmermans said. He also pledged to assist Cuba in preserving the colonial-era buildings in Havana's old quarter. Rodriguez, for his part, said he was optimistic about developing "multifaceted" ties with the Netherlands, and Cuba's current economic reforms "represent an opportunity for Dutch companies." He also thanked the Netherlands for its stance against the U.S.-led economic blockade of the Caribbean nation.