Ireland and Cuba Establish Diplomatic Relations
26/10/1999
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. David Andrews T.D., will formalise the establishment of diplomatic relations with the Republic of Cuba when he and his Cuban counterpart, Mr. Filipe Perez Roque, sign a joint statement at talks tomorrow (Wednesday) in Iveagh House. The Government's decision of 28 September last to establish diplomatic relations on a non-resident basis has been warmly received by the Cuban authorities.
Speaking on the eve of the Cuban Foreign Minister's visit to Dublin, Minister Andrews said that formalising diplomatic relations:
"will enable us to deepen the friendly relations which already exist between us. It will also provide an important impetus for the further development of economic, social and cultural links".
The discussions with Minister Andrews are expected to focus on ways to improve bilateral trade between both countries, as well as relations between Cuba and the EU and the forthcoming Ibero American Summit in Havana. Minister Perez Roque will have meetings with the Joint Oireachtas Foreign Affairs Committee and the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation, Dr. James McDaid T.D., tomorrow afternoon.
