Turkey reitreates support to end embargo on Cuba

HAVANA, Cuba – Anadolu Agency

During his two-day official visit to Cuba, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu on May 18 said his country will continue to support to end sanctions and embargo on the Latin American nation.

Çavuşoğlu’s statements came following his meeting with Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermudez in the capital Havana.

Following the meeting, he said in a series of tweets, that Turkey opposes unilateral sanctions against Cuba as he stated that relations between Ankara and Havana are developing.

“#Turkey strongly opposes unilateral sanctions &will continue to support the Resolution at the #UNGA to end the embargo imposed on #Cuba. @DiazCanelB,” he wrote.

Çavuşoğlu also met his Cuban counterpart Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla where they discussed the way to improve bilateral relations as the regional issues, including the ongoing regional political crisis in Venezuela, were also in their agenda.

“Turkish investments in #Cuba are increasing. Will develop relations in agriculture, construction, infrastructure, energy, health &tourism. @BrunoRguezP,” he said in another tweet.

On the last day of his two-day official tour, Çavuşoğlu also met with Cuban parliament Speaker Estaban Lazo Hernandez.

Çavuşoğlu stated that the Turkish Parliament will be an observer in the Latin American Parliament (Parlatino), a regional permanent organization.

“#Turkey-#Cuba relations are in a v. good level. Will increase contacts b/w Parliaments. #TBMM [Turkish Grand National Assembly] will be observer in #PARLATINO. #EstebanLazoHernández,” Çavuşoğlu said in his tweet.

On bilateral trade, he mentioned that Turkish Airlines’ flights to Cuba support to boost trade and tourism relations. “Will reach $200 million in bilateral trade,” he said.