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EU's high representative says visit to Cuba aims to speed up political dialogue

Upon arrival to Havana Federica Mogherini said she hails the recently declared process of restoration of diplomatic relations between Cuba and the US and Brussels hopes to make use of this new stage
Federica Mogherini EPA/VALDA KALNINA
Federica Mogherini
© EPA/VALDA KALNINA

HAVANA, March 24. /TASS/. The visit to Cuba, which the EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, began on Monday, is called upon to facilitate political concord and cooperation between the EU and Havana, and officials in Brussels hope to make use of a new stage, which is marked by the melting of ice in relations between the US and Cuba.

Mogherini said it on Monday upon arrival in Havana.

She indicated she was the first EU commissioner of the highest rank to come to Cuba.

Mogherini added that she hailed the recently declared process of restoration of diplomatic relations between Cuba and the US. The EU is willing to help trade relations between the two sides, she said.

She hopes to hold talks with a number of Cuban ministers and other governmental representatives, including Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez and Economics Minister Marino Murillo.

At the time of reporting, it was not clear whether or not Mogherini would be received by Prime Minister Raul Castro.

EU and Havana are holding dialogue on cooperation, political problems and human rights. Trade has a special place on the bilateral agenda, as the EU occupies place number two on Cuba's list of foreign trade partners, being second only to Venezuela.

Upon the results of 2013, the Cuban-EU trade turnover stood at $3.6 billion.