Spain-Cuba Relations: Spanish Prime Minister on two-day visit, first visit in 30 years

World
Europe

02:12

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is in Cuba for a two-day visit. The aim: to promote both political and commercial relations. CGTN's Luis Chirino has more from Havana.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez was officially welcomed by Cuban Head of State Miguel Diaz-Canel on Thursday at Havana's Revolution Palace. This is the first visit by a Spanish government President in the past 30 years.

The two leaders presided over the signing of two memos of understanding aimed at establishing regular political consultations, on issues of bilateral and regional interest and the enhancement of cultural collaboration between the two nations.

LUIS CHIRINO HAVANA "Spain is Cuba's third major commercial partner after China and Venezuela, with some 250 companies operating here mainly in the sectors of services and tourism."

Earlier this month, over 130 Spanish companies attended Havana's International Trade Fair. Spanish officials said that the large entrepreneurial presence affirms the interest of the Spanish business community in the Cuban market.

MARIA PENA SPANISH FOREIGN TRADE INSTITUTE "Spain, as usual, wants to support the Cuban process of consolidation and upgrading of local structures and I hope and I'm sure that this will be the message by our president in his official visit."

The director of Cuban- based Apolo construction materials and tools had this reaction to the visit.

MARTA PUIGMARTI DIRECTOR, APOLO COMPANY CUBA "It was due time for a top-level representative of the Spanish government to come here, because we are many companies doing business in this country and we hope this visit will support Spanish companies in dealing with the Cuban government."

Accompanied by Cuban President Miguel Diaz Canel at a business forum, the Spanish top government executive addressed his country's business community in Cuba:

PEDRO SANCHEZ SPANISH PRIME MINISTER "The Spanish government will continue to boost investment in Cuba thus contributing to the development of the local economy, the transformation of society and prosperity of Cuba."

Throughout the visit, both governments expressed their willingness to foster political dialogue and boost commercial, financial and investments ties. Luis Chirino, CGTN, Havana.