Finian McGrath
Ceist:153. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will develop further economic and cultural links with Cuba; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8392/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 25 February 2015
Ceisteanna (153)
Freagraí scríofa
Ireland’s positive links with Cuba have grown steadily, in particular since the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries in 1999. As I have stated before, I would wish to see our bilateral relations develop further.
In 2014, bilateral trade in goods was valued at €1.35 million, consolidating the increase of the previous year. We hope that, as the process of economic reform proceeds, and as Cuba’s relations with the US are normalised, it will be possible to develop our trade relationship further.
Our Ambassador in Mexico City, who is accredited on a concurrent basis to Havana, visited Cuba in January of this year. The visit included contacts with Cuban Ministries on various trade and economic issues of mutual interest. In addition, the Embassy organised an Irish cultural festival in Havana in November 2014.
Officials of my Department are in discussion with Cuban officials on a Memorandum of Co-operation between our two countries. This will provide an important basis for co-operation across various areas of interest, including economic and cultural interaction. In addition to trade and cultural relations, we are open to engagement in the areas of investment, scientific and research collaboration.
In the context of the European Union, I am pleased that negotiations have begun on an EU-Cuba Political Dialogue and Co-operation Agreement. Such an agreement will strengthen the EU-Cuba relationship and provide an improved framework for political dialogue, economic relations and co-operation in the period ahead.
The EU is Cuba's second most important trading partner, accounting for 20% of total Cuban trade. The EU is also Cuba's biggest external investor and approximately one third of all tourists visiting the island every year come from countries of the European Union.