WIREDGOV

Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond yesterday became the first British Foreign Secretary to visit Cuba since 1959.

In a series of high-level meetings, the Foreign Secretary called upon his Cuban counterpart Bruno Rodríguez and other government leaders to discuss the recent social and economic changes in Cuba, human rights, trade and investment, and the fight against global health threats such as the Zika virus.

During the historic visit, the Foreign Secretary signed a bilateral agreement restructuring Cuba’s debt to the UK and will agree future UK-Cuba cooperation on financial services, energy, culture and education.

The Foreign Secretary, Philip Hammond, said yesterday:

Britain and Cuba have outlooks on the world and systems of government that are very different. But as Cuba enters a period of significant social and economic change, I am looking forward to demonstrating to the Cuban government and people that the UK is keen to forge new links across the Atlantic.

That is why Cuba and the UK are set to reach new cooperation agreements on energy, financial services, education and culture, to the benefit of both our nations. As the first British Foreign Secretary to visit Cuba since before the Cuban Revolution in 1959, this is an opportunity to hear for myself what Cuba thinks about its present challenges and where it sees its future.

The Foreign Secretary also met representatives from Cuba’s civil society and the British business community in Havana.

Further information

Follow the Foreign Secretary on twitter @PHammondMP

Follow the Foreign Office on twitter @foreignoffice

Follow the Foreign Office on facebook and Google+

Media enquiries

Email newsdesk@fco.gov.uk

News Desk 020 7008 3100