MOSCOW, March 19. /TASS/. A joint Russian-Cuban rum production line has been launched by Russian vintner Abrau-Durso, Cuban Minister of Tourism Juan Carlos Garcia Granda said in an interview with TASS, adding that plans call for developing more such projects.

"Given the fact that expanding business relations between Cuba and Russia is the focus of attention of both the Cuban and the Russian governments today, I think that such developments in the area of rum production will also take place," he said when asked whether cooperation will expand.

That said, the minister noted that he would like to see Russians continue to travel to Cuba to sample rum of various vintages. "Historically we are one of the main producers of light-bodied rum, which is produced through fermentation of sugar cane. Later, other countries in our region borrowed this technology from us," the minister explained.

One of the tourist products that the Cubans should promote is the art of concocting cocktails, he added. "You may find several Cuban cocktails in all bars across the world - daiquiri, mojito, Cuba libre. Making cocktails is a creative, innovative process. More pleasure, less alcohol," Garcia noted.