Russia to boost economic cooperation with Cuba - Lavrov

SANTIAGO DE CUBA, February 6. /TASS/. Moscow plans to boost economic cooperation with Havana, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a meeting with his Cuban counterpart Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla on Thursday. "We remain committed to the agreements that the two countries’ presidents reached last October. They are primarily aimed at improving the mechanisms of economic cooperation, particularly given the illegal sanctions that the US continues to increase. The upcoming Moscow meeting of the intergovernmental commission on trade and economic cooperation is expected to consider all these matters. It particularly concerns steps that need to be coordinated in order to implement an energy cooperation plan," Lavrov pointed out. "We will continue to work on joint projects in various areas. I would like to note that we recognize and admire Russia’s role in protecting international law, peace and security. This year is important as it marks an important anniversary of our relations," the Cuban foreign minister said. "I fully share your view of our relations," Lavrov noted. "Contacts will continue through the year. We expect the Cuban president to attend the 75th anniversary celebration of the WWII victory and the 60th anniversary celebration of diplomatic relations between our countries," Lavrov added. According to him, Cuban delegations are expected to participate in a number of events that will take place in Russia in the coming months, including the Moscow Conference on Global Security and the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. Read more