Written answers

Thursday, 17 December 2015

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

International Relations

Photo of Brendan SmithBrendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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530. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the proposals he has to build on existing diplomatic relations with Cuba; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46206/15]

Photo of Charles FlanaganCharles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Ireland’s positive links with Cuba have grown steadily in recent years, in particular since the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries in 1999 and the opening of the Cuban embassy in Dublin in 2001. As I have stated before, I wish to see this relationship develop further.

Cuba and Ireland held bilateral consultations in April of this year during the visit of the Secretary General of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to Havana. In his official-level meetings, the Secretary General discussed issues relating to Cuba’s reform process and human rights, Cuba’s relations with the United States, bilateral trade and cultural ties between Cuba and Ireland. The consultations took place in a positive atmosphere and provide a good basis for further progress in strengthening our relationship with Cuba.

The Secretary General’s visit also included the signing of a memorandum of understanding on political dialogue between Ireland and Cuba. The memorandum provides a joint structure for consulting on international issues – a sign that both countries are planning for a growing, strengthening bilateral relationship. I also look forward to the conclusion of a bilateral cooperation agreement, negotiations for which are now at an advanced stage.

Bilateral trade in goods between Ireland and Cuba has increased steadily from a low base in recent years and between January and July of 2015 was €2.93 million, compared to €1.35 million for the whole of 2014. We hope that, as the process of economic reform proceeds, and as Cuba’s relations with the United States are normalized, it will be possible to develop our trade relationship further.

In the context of the European Union, I am pleased that negotiations are continuing on an EU-Cuba Political Dialogue and Co-operation Agreement (PDCA). This agreement will strengthen the EU-Cuba relationship and provide an improved framework for political dialogue, economic relations and cooperation. Six rounds of negotiations have so far taken place between Brussels and Havana. A seventh round of talks will take place in Havana early in 2016.

The EU is also Cuba's second most important trading partner, accounting for 20 per cent of all Cuban trade. The Union is also Cuba's biggest external investor and approximately one third of all tourists visiting the island every year come from EU member states.

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