Armenia, Cuba Consider Expanding Relations –

HAVANA (ArmRadio)—Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian started his official visit to Cuba by laying a wreath at the memorial of José Martí, a national hero of Cuba.

In Havana, the Armenian Foreign Minister was hosted by Vice President of the Cuban Council of Ministers, Ricardo Cabrisas Ruiz. Minister Nalbandian stressed that the visit aimed to reinforce friendly relations and explore new avenues of cooperation.

Ricardo Ruiz briefed Edward Nalbandian on the reforms the Cuban government intends to implement to modernize the country’s economy. He underlined that Cuba was ready to deepen cooperation with Armenia in political, economic and other domains.

The parties discussed the steps to be taken to expand bilateral cooperation in the spheres of trade and economy, healthcare, education, science and culture.

At a meeting in Havana, the foreign ministers of the two countries, Edward Nalbandian and Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla expressed the willingness of the two countries to take practical steps towards the expansion of relations based on mutual respect. The parties emphasized the importance of visa facilitation for the development of tourism.

The Cuban Foreign Minister presented the processes taking place in the Latin American region and the role and approaches of his country.

Nalbandian, in turn, briefed Parrilla on the priorities of Armenian foreign policy and on the efforts of Armenia and the international community towards the peaceful resolution of the Karabakh conflict.

The interlocutors exchanged views on a number of other regional and international issues.