Spain’s Foreign Minister Visits Cuba

HAVANA TIMES, Oct l9 – Miguel Angel Moratinos, the foreign minister of Spain, is in Cuba to boost bilateral relations.  Moratinos visited the island two and a half years ago in what began a thawing of strained relations between Cuba and European Union.

Spain will take over the rotating EU presidency in January 2010, which could mean renewed interest in advancing relations and cooperation with Cuba.

Moratinos told the Latin American Herald Tribune, “On this second visit, I can express that it’s normal to visit Cuba.   Not just the Spanish foreign minister, but there have been many European, Latin American visitors, presidents, heads of state, ministers.”

The Spanish FM arrived in Cuba on Saturday night and on Sunday met with Cardinal Jaime Ortega and Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez.

On Monday, Moratinos is scheduled to meet with President Raul Castro and his senior advisor, former President Fidel Castro, as well as the island’s Foreign Trade Minister, Rodrigo Malmierca.

Spain is Cuba’s fourth leading trade partner behind Venezuela, China and Canada.