EU Signs Historic Deal with Cuba on Political Dialogue, Cooperation
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - The European Union signed on Monday a historic deal with Cuba on political dialogue and cooperation, according to the EU Council.
The deal was signed on Monday by the heads of EU member states, along with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla.
"Economic links with Europe will continue to be a priority for Cuba as we build a socialist economy," Parrilla said on Monday. He added that the agreement "demonstrates that with good will and respect it is possible to make progress and resolve differences."
The deal will be submitted for ratification to the European Parliament, member state national parliaments, and the Cuban National Assembly.
After the ceremony, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said that EU-Cuba relations will remain unaffected by the presidency of US president-elect Donald Trump, Russia Today reported.
"Through the new agreement, the EU is ready to support Cuba's process of economic and social modernization," Mogherini said last week, adding that "we are truly at a turning point in the relations between the EU and Cuba."
Cuba had been the only Latin American country which did not have a so-called 'dialogue and cooperation' deal with the EU, covering issues ranging from trade to human rights and migration.
The signing follows the death of former Cuban leader Fidel Castro, who passed away last month at the age of 90.
