• Submitted by: admin
• Caribbean
• Havana
• international
• Business and Economy
• Politics and Government
• 05 / 12 / 2009

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A private sector mission is also expected to accompany the delegation.

In addition to meeting with Castrol, Thompson is expected during his three-day visit, to meet with representatives of the Barbadian Association and visit new projects underway in Cuba and visit Barbadian students pursuing studies at Cuban universities.

The two countries will also sign a Memorandum of Understanding on Co-operation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Barbados and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cuba and a Sports Cooperation Agreement.

Barbados established diplomatic relations with Cuba on December 8, 1972 and according to a statement issued by the government, "the two countries have maintained a cordial relationship characterised by co-operation and a mutual respect for the principles of ideological pluralism and sovereignty".

Barbados and Cuba signed a co-operation agreement in 1997 which established a Joint Commission for Economic and Technical Co-operation. The Commission meets on an annual basis and the sixth meeting of the Commission is scheduled for May 14th to 16th, following Thompson's visit to the island.

Cuba has provided extensive technical assistance to Barbados, particularly in the areas of education, sports, culture and youth development. These include the medical scholarship programme, the provision of Cuban coaches and Operacion Milagro, Cuba's programme for the provision of free ophthalmological surgery.

Barbados has also offered assistance with the teaching of road tennis and cricket in Cuban Schools.

(www.caribbean360.com)