MOSCOW, November 1. /TASS/. The expansion of cooperation between Russia and Cuba is not linked to rising tensions between Moscow and the West, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

"This is unrelated to any particular thing, any Cold War or any other factors. This is an ongoing practice, a steady component of Russia’s foreign policy. We cherish good relations with Cuba," he said when asked whether Moscow’s move to bolster contacts with Havana was related to mounting tensions between Russia and the West, the so-called "New Cold War."

According to the Kremlin spokesman, "Russia has traditional and long-standing ties of friendship and cooperation with Cuba, and Russia is determined to continue these relations and do its utmost to expand (them)." Peskov pointed to "full reciprocity on the part of Cuba’s counterparts, and their mutual commitment to intensifying relations comprehensively."

Earlier reports said that President of Cuba’s Council of State and Council of Ministers, Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez, is kicking off his official visit to Russia on November 1. While in Moscow, the Cuban leader plans to have meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, Speaker of Russia’s Federation Council (upper house of parliament) Valentina Matviyenko and Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia. Military cooperation was mentioned as an issue on the agenda.

Peskov declined to comment in detail on specific matters related to bilateral military-technical cooperation, which are expected to be discussed. "I cannot go into detail. This issue is always on the agenda of bilateral relations," he said. "I would not like to talk about any details, this is a rather sensitive area of cooperation."