The chief negotiators of both sides initialized the text for the agreement almost two years after the beginning of talks, with the presence of Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez and EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini.
After seven rounds of negotiations, Cuban deputy FM Abelardo Moreno and Christian Leffler, Deputy Secretary General at European External Action Service, penned the document that will be submitted for revision for both parties and signed at the shortest notice, according to the joint statement Mogherini, upon her arrival at the headquarters of the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said it was a historical moment, which shows the trust and understanding that will mark the beginning of a new stage of Cuba and the European Union relations.
She added that she will request the European Council to end the Common Position, promoted in 1996 by then Spanish President José María Aznar.
According to the EU official once the agreement comes into force it will be the new platform for bilateral relations, will strengthen them and will allow the EU help Cuba in its updating of its economic model Meanwhile Minister Rodriguez said this event today marks the end of a long, dynamic and thorough process that ran based on respect, reciprocity and mutual benefits, despite differences in several aspects between Cuba and the EU.
He expressed his hopes the final approval will be fast, and added today´s initialization corresponds with the level of relations of Cuba with the overwhelming majority of the member countries of the European bloc.