Nuria Barbosa León

During official talks, President Raúl Castro Ruz and French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius addressed the positive development of bilateral relations between Cuba and France, as well as various international issues. Present in the French delegation were, Maryse Bossiere, Director for the Americas and the Caribbean at the French Foreign Ministry, and Jean Mendelson, French ambassador to Cuba. Participating on the Cuban side was, Minister of Foreign Relations, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla.

During an earlier meeting with Bruno Rodríguez, Laurent Fabius emphasized Europe’s desire to strengthen the historic, economic, commercial and cultural links with Latin America and in particular, Cuba. Bruno Rodríguez reaffirmed Cuba’s commitment to working toward the fulfillment of common objectives and the positive development of bilateral relations.

During the meeting Laurent Fabius spoke of his government’s desire to strengthen economic and commercial ties with Cuba, also commenting that in regards to the U.S economic and financial blockade against the island, the French position is clear and reaffirmed annually by the country’s United Nations’ vote in favor of Cuba.

"They have spoken to me about what to expect from the new Foreign Investment Law approved in the country," which is of special interest to French businesses in sectors such as, energy, tourism, food and agriculture, education and culture. Given that France is Cuba’s 10th principal trade partner in the world, and 4th among European countries, with contracts worth approximately 390 million dollars a year, Laurent Fabius also stated, "I came accompanied by business representatives from my country, given that many have been supporting Cuba and have established themselves here, among them large corporations like, Accor, Air France, Pernod-Ricard, Alcatel, Bouygues and Total."

Laurent Fabius’ visit took place at a time when Cuba and the European Union are taking steps to open negotiations on a political dialogue and cooperation agreement, as a result of a decision made by European Union foreign ministers, this past February 10. "Cuba’s presence in the international arena is interesting and appreciated," he commented, also mentioning that it has been 31 years since a French foreign minister has visited Cuba.