Political dialogue on Cuba-EU meeting agenda

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla stressed Monday on Twitter that the Second Cuba-European Union (EU) Joint Council, which opens today in Havana, includes in its agenda the development of political, trade, investment and cooperation dialogues.

The extraterritorial effect of the Helms-Burton Act will also be addressed at the meeting, Rodriguez Parrilla stated, adding that the event, chaired by the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, 'will contribute to fostering positive ties'.

We will discuss the implementation of the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement, which rules the links between Brussels - the EU seat - and Havana," the head of Cuban diplomacy remarked.

Cuba has full diplomatic relations with the twenty-eight EU Member States and last year celebrated the 30th anniversary of the establishment of relations with the European Community.

Cooperation includes issues such as food security, adaptation to climate change, renewable energies and the exchange of experiences for the upgrading of the Cuban economy.

Brussels is not only an important trading partner, but also traditionally votes as a bloc in favor of the Cuban resolution against the blockade, presented at the UN.

Cuba also acknowledges the EU's rejection of the application of Title III of the Helms Burton Act, which harms European interests.