France's foreign minister on landmark visit to Cuba
France's foreign minister on landmark visit to Cuba
April 12, 2014 - 15:53 AMT
PanARMENIAN.Net - France's foreign minister was expected to arrive in Cuba on Saturday, April 12, for a brief but historic visit, the first by such a high-ranking French official in 30 years and a sign of the quickening pace of improving ties between the European Union and Havana, according to Reuters.
Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius was scheduled to have a working lunch with his Cuban counterpart Bruno Rodriguez before meeting with Cardinal Jaime Ortega and then French businessmen.
Rodriguez met with Laurent in Paris last month.
"We expect him to discuss the start of a political dialogue that will include human rights, and business opportunities provided by economic reforms on the island," a French diplomat said, adding that no agreements would be signed.
Since Fabius took office in 2012 he has tried to shift more of France's diplomatic focus toward winning contracts in markets where French firms are traditionally weak, as Paris looks to find growth opportunities overseas.
France is looking to expand its business ties with Latin America and sees Cuba as an important player in the region, given that it hosted a regional summit earlier this year and both Brazil and Mexico are increasing their presence in the country.
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