• Submitted by: manso
• International
• 12 / 16 / 2010

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Last Updated(Beijing Time):2010-12-15 14:02. Greece agreed to restore cooperation with Cuba, following in the footsteps of some other European Union countries, a joint declaration said on Tuesday.

The signing of the statement by Cuban Vice Foreign Minister Dagoberto Rodriguez with his visiting Greek counterpart Spyros Kouvelis marked the official resumption of economic cooperation between the two countries, Cuba's Foreign Ministry said.

During a meeting with Rodriguez, Kouvelis said the joint declaration was very important to establishing and increasing bilateral ties "not only in the political sphere, but also in other areas such as sea transportation and agriculture."

According to the document, the two countries will expand cooperation within their "positive bilateral ties."

Kouvelis also said his current visit to Cuba "will be the beginning of broad cooperation between the two countries." He also voiced Greece's interest in restoring cooperation between Cuba and the EU.

In 2007, Spain restored its cooperation with Cuba, followed by Portugal in 2009. France took the same step two weeks ago.

Since 2003, the EU has maintained a "common position" on Cuba including diplomatic sanctions which the bloc lifted in 2008.

However, there is still no consensus within the EU on ending the so-called "common position".

Source: http://en.ce.cn/World/Americas/201012/16/t20101216_22056002.shtml