Russia supports Cuban reforms, efforts to overcome embargo - Foreign Minister Lavrov

HAVANA, March 24. /TASS/. Russia stands for lifting an economic embargo against Cuba, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Tuesday. Lavrov made this statement at a meeting with Deputy Chairman of the Cuban Council of Ministers and Co-Chairman of the Russia-Cuba Intergovernmental Commission Ricardo Cabrisas. "We have special decades-long relations," the Russian foreign minister said. "We have always supported the Cuban people and we do this at the current stage when you’re carrying out transformations and taking efforts to overcome the blockade," Lavrov said. The Russian foreign minister said he intended to discuss the Cuban government’s steps towards overcoming the blockade during his visit to Havana. "We also expect to discuss interaction in regional and international affairs and cooperation in the UN," Lavrov said. The Russian foreign minister praised the determination of both countries to achieve the fulfillment of all agreements reached by the leaders of Russia and Cuba. "There are promising plans and many Russian companies are displaying practical interest in their work in the republic," Lavrov said. Cuba intends to maintain proactive cooperation with Russia, Cabrisas said. "The significance of your trip to Cuba is very great," Cabrisas said, addressing Lavrov. "The Russian authorities have always maintained friendly ties with this country," Cabrisas said. "We have most favorable conditions for developing bilateral relations," Cabrisas added. Read more