Lajcak Welcomes EU-Cuba Agreement on Cooperation

Brussels, December 12 (TASR-correspondent) – Slovak Foreign and European Affairs Minister Miroslav Lajcak welcomes the agreement on political dialogue and cooperation between the European Union and Cuba that was signed by EU foreign affairs ministers in Brussels on Monday.

The chief of Slovak diplomacy considers the agreement to be very important, as it fundamentally changes EU policy towards Cuba. Lajcak is glad that the inking of the agreement took place during the Slovak Presidency of the EU Council.

“The signing of this agreement means that the EU common position [on Cuba] from 1996, which limited contacts at the political level and economic cooperation, is over. This agreement will open room for completely normal communications with Cuba and also formal cooperation with Cuba. This is a fundamental change in the EU, and we’re happy about it,” said Lajcak.

The agreement between Brussels and Havana opens up a new era of relations that apart from political and trade cooperation includes strengthening cultural relations, cooperation in fighting drugs and crime issues as well as social development. The agreement has to be approved by the European Parliament as well as by the national parliaments of the 28 EU-member states.