We are here to show UK support for the economic changes taking place in Cuba and also to discuss important bilateral, trade and international issues regarding both countries, Hugo Swire, Minister of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, stated on a visit to the Island.

At the headquarters of the Cuban Foreign Ministry, Swire expressed his gratitude regarding the signing agreements between the European country and Cuba on sport and commercial relations. Concerning the latter, he noted that many companies could invest in Cuba, given that the UK is Cuba’s principal tourist market in Europe.

Among the documents, are the Memorandum of Understanding between the National Institute of Sports, Physical Education and Recreation (INDER) and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on Cooperation in Sports.

With the signing of this agreement by the Minister and Roberto Leon Richards, senior vice president of INDER cooperation and sports exchanges between the two nations will be formalized and developed, as well as exploring opportunities in the field of sports tourism.

Another mechanism of collaboration is the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Foreign Trade and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on the Promotion of Trade and Investment.

According to reports of the event, the signing of this document by the British representative and Antonio Luis Carricarte Corona, first vice minister of Foreign Trade, is a step forward toward increasing bilateral dialogue in the areas of promoting trade and investment. At the same time, it will strengthen joint efforts in sectors such as tourism, agriculture, energy, infrastructure and biotechnology.

Swire and the Cuban delegation, represented by the Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, Rogelio Sierra, established a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cuba and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on consular issues, foreign policy and bilateral relations.

This aims to develop cooperation between the two nations to improve consultation mechanisms on matters of mutual interest, considering that the relationship between the two countries will be based on reciprocity and mutual benefit.

In statements to the press, the Minister described the peace talks between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) taking place in Havana as fruitful and recognized the role of Cuba in this regard.