French foreign minister on historic visit to Cuba
Reuters
2014-04-12
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France's foreign minister arrived in Cuba on Saturday (April 12) for a brief but historic visit, the first by such a high-ranking French official in 31 years and a sign of the quickening pace of improving ties between the European Union and Havana.
Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius met with his Cuban counterpart Bruno Rodriguez upon arrival, and was scheduled to meet with Cardinal Jaime Ortega and then French businessmen. Fabius also dedicated a wreath at a monument to Cuba's independence hero Jose Marti.
Rodriguez also met with Fabius in Paris last month.
A French diplomat said Fabius would discuss with Rodriguez the beginning of a political dialogue that would include human rights, and business opportunities provided by economic reforms on the island.
No agreements were expected to be signed.
Since Fabius took office in 2012 he has tried to shift more of France's diplomatic focus toward winning contracts in markets w
France's foreign minister arrived in Cuba on Saturday (April 12) for a brief but historic visit, the first by such a high-ranking French official in 31 years and a sign of the quickening pace of improving ties between the European Union and Havana.
Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius met with his Cuban counterpart Bruno Rodriguez upon arrival, and was scheduled to meet with Cardinal Jaime Ortega and then French businessmen. Fabius also dedicated a wreath at a monument to Cuba's independence hero Jose Marti.
Rodriguez also met with Fabius in Paris last month.
A French diplomat said Fabius would discuss with Rodriguez the beginning of a political dialogue that would include human rights, and business opportunities provided by economic reforms on the island.
No agreements were expected to be signed.
Since Fabius took office in 2012 he has tried to shift more of France's diplomatic focus toward winning contracts in markets w
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