Edward Nalbandian on official visit to Cuba

During his official visit to Cuba, Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian met on January 10 with Vice Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Cuba Ricardo Cabrisas, according to the press service of Armenian Foreign Ministry.

Welcoming the Armenian foreign minister, R. Cabrisas expressed hope that the visit of a high-ranking guest - the first visit in over ten years – will give renewed impetus to bilateral relations as well as cooperation in a multilateral format.

The sides discussed in detail joint steps aimed at expanding cooperation in various spheres such as trade, economy, healthcare, science and culture.

On the same day Edward Nalbandian met with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla.

During the meeting the Cuban foreign minister asked E. Nalbandian to give Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan greetings and warm regards of Cuban President Raul Castro. He said that Cuba highly appreciates Armenian specialists’ contribution to the development of their country.

The ministers reaffirmed the two states’ interest in taking active measures to strengthen, deepen and expand their ties based on mutual respect.

The two foreign ministers discussed joint steps to promote the political dialog and cooperation in international organizations, expand the legal and contractual field, boost trade and economic ties and encourage the exchange of experience in science, education and culture.

The interlocutors underlined the importance of facilitating the visa regime for citizens of Armenia and Cuba with the aim of developing tourism.

The Cuban foreign minister spoke about the ongoing processes in Latin America and Cuba’s role and approaches.
For his part, Edward Nalbandian presented the priorities of Armenia’s foreign policy and the efforts of Armenia and the international community on a peaceful resolution of the Karabakh conflict.

The Armenian foreign minister invited his Cuban counterpart to visit Yerevan.

Following the ministerial meeting, an official reception in honor of Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian was given on behalf of Bruno Rodriguez. Officials of the Cuban Foreign Ministry and some 50 ambassadors accredited to Havana attended the reception.

During his official visit E. Nalbandain met with Vice President of the Cuban parliament Ana Maria Mary Machado. Promotion of inter-parliamentary cooperation was discussed at the meeting.

Edward Nalbandian also had a meeting with Cuban Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment Rodrigo Malmierca Diaz. The sides discussed a number of issues related to development of trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.
Rodrigo Malmierca Diaz invited Armenia to participate in Havana International Fair (FIHAV) in the autumn of 2014, expressing a willingness to allocate an area free of charge for the Armenian pavilion.