Netherlands opens political dialogue with Cuba

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/07/netherlands-opens-political-dialogue-cuba

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The Dutch foreign minister signed an agreement on Tuesday with his Cuban counterpart to engage in political consultations, breaking ranks with the EU, which limits high-level visits and talks with the island nation.

On the second day of a two-day visit, the Dutch foreign minister, Frans Timmermans, urged the EU to adjust its relationship with Cuba, saying: "Havana through the centuries has been a meeting point between Europe and the Americas and I believe it still has an important role to play in this regard."

Timmermans, as he sat down for talks with the Cuban foreign minister, Bruno Rodriguez, praised Cuba's efforts to "bring an end to the last violent conflict in the region", referring to its hosting of peace talks between the Colombian government and local rebels.

Rodriguez said he welcomed the opportunity to hold discussions on issues of common interest and that changes underway on the island represented an opportunity for Dutch businesses.

As part of market-oriented reforms under Raúl Castro, who took over as president from his ailing brother Fidel in 2008, Cuba recently opened a Chinese-style special economic zone and is preparing a new foreign investment law.

A delegation of businessmen accompanied Timmermans on his visit, the first by a Dutch foreign minister since the 1959 Cuban revolution.

The Netherlands is a staunch advocate of human rights and democracy and actively supports dissident organisations in Cuba. It also has strong commercial ties with the island, with the Port of Rotterdam serving as an entry point for Cuban nickel and other goods headed for various countries.

Trade between the two countries was $791m (£480m) in 2012, almost exclusively Cuban exports.

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