Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Ireland enjoys excellent bilateral relations with Cuba. Diplomatic relations were established between our two countries in 1999, and bilateral engagement has increased steadily in the period since then.In 2013, bilateral trade in goods with Cuba reached €1.35 million, an increase from the figure of €1.2 million in 2012. In keeping with my wish to see relations with Cuba developed in various areas, including trade, the Ambassador of Ireland to Mexico, who is also accredited to Cuba, held a number of meetings in Cuba earlier this year. These meetings included contacts with Ministries on various trade and economic issues of interest. The Embassy will continue to engage with Cuba on these issues.

Ireland also engages in activity in other areas with a view to enhancing our bilateral engagement. The Irish Embassy accredited to Cuba organised a successful Irish cultural week in Havana in May 2013, focusing on Irish film and Irish traditional music. Discussions are ongoing with the Cuban authorities regarding future collaboration on cultural projects.

I am also pleased that the EU is currently in negotiations with Cuba on a Political Dialogue and Co-operation Agreement. Such an agreement would strengthen the EU-Cuba relationship and provide an improved framework for political dialogue, economic relations and cooperation in the period ahead.

We will continue to work with Cuba to strengthen ties and facilitate trade between our countries.