Brussels, 12/03/2003 (Agence Europe) - Poul Nielson, Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid has used his first official visit to Cuba to officially open the Commission's delegation in Havana. His speech on this occasion constituted a message of hope for enhancing EU/Cuba relations. The Commissioner declared that, "The European Union intends to strengthen and widen its relations with Cuba in the political, economic, social and cultural fields. Cuba, being a full member of the ACP…I therefore welcome the decision of Cuba to apply for the Cotonou Agreement. He also guaranteed that the Commission would do all that it could to provide a suitable follow-up to this approach (see EUROPE 8 March p 11).
Pointing out that the EU was already Cuba's main trading partner, a major source of foreign investment, the principal source of tourists to the island and the main partner in cooperation and development, Mr Nielson considered that, "A continuous political dialogue, stronger economic ties and enhanced development cooperation are indispensable vehicles in this historic process of rapprochement". He also appealed for the harmonious integration of Cuba into the globalisation process in order to reap the benefits without losing its identify, declaring, "I am convinced that from now on we will travel together some way towards the goal of fostering a democratic and prosperous Cuba, which is well prepared to face the challenges of the 21st century".