Written answers

Tuesday, 14 July 2015

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

International Relations

Photo of Tommy BroughanTommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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125. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on whether he plans to strengthen Ireland's ties with Cuba; and on the current diplomatic, political and economic relationship of Cuba and Ireland. [28214/15]

Photo of Charles FlanaganCharles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Ireland's positive relationship with Cuba has developed steadily since the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries in 1999, and I am keen to see our bilateral relations develop further.

For this purpose, the Secretary General of my Department visited Havana in April this year for bilateral consultations and to meet a range of contacts, including Cubans and diplomatic representatives. In his official level meetings, the Secretary General discussed issues relating to Cuba's reform process and human rights, US-Cuban relations, bilateral trade and cultural ties. The consultations took place in a constructive atmosphere and provide a good basis for further progress in strengthening our relationship with Cuba.

During his visit, the Secretary General signed a 'Memorandum on the Establishment of a Mechanism for Political Consultations'. This initiative will promote political dialogue between Ireland and Cuba. It is intended to develop mutual contacts and to deepen bilateral relations on the basis of the principles, and with respect for, the provisions of the United Nations Charter. The agreement provides a basis for regular discussion with Cuba on international and bilateral relations at a senior level, and is a welcome development in our relationship.

Officials of my Department are also in discussion with the Cuban side on a Memorandum of Cooperation between our two countries. This will provide an important basis for cooperation across various areas of interest, including economic and cultural interaction and engagement in the areas of investment, scientific and research collaboration.

As regards bilateral trade in goods, this was valued at €1.35 million in 2014, 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.

In the context of the European Union, I am pleased that negotiations are underway on an EU-Cuba Political Dialogue and Co-operation Agreement. This agreement, which the EU is seeking to conclude before the end of the year, will strengthen the EU-Cuba relationship and provide an improved framework for political dialogue, economic relations and cooperation 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.

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