Louis Michel, European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, has welcomed the meeting on Thursday between the EU troika and the Cuban government as a positive step in view of a normalisation of relations between both parties.
Louis Michel, European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, has welcomed the meeting on Thursday between the EU troika and the Cuban government as a positive step in view of a normalisation of relations between both parties.
The positive spirit, within which the discussions were held, allowed for frank and open exchanges on subjects of common interest such as the financial crisis, human rights, co-operation with Cuba and the reform of the United Nations. This meeting has shown the potential for dialogue and cooperation that exists between both sides.
Louis Michel, European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, stated: “We should now keep working to strengthen the process of political dialogue that the European Commission has always backed in a very clear way.”
Commissioner Michel, who will be on an official visit to Havana next week (22-25 October 2008), added; “In respect of the European Commission, it's my wish that my visit to Havana next week can mark the formal take-up of cooperation between the European Commission and Cuba. This cooperation could focus on several sectors such as the environment, trade, science and technology, cultural exchanges and natural disaster prevention with even rapid assistance in the reconstruction process following hurricanes Ike and Gustav.”