Islamic Republic News
Agency.
Tehran, Jan 21, IRNA -- Cuban Foreign Minister Felipe Roca arrived here
Sunday, as part of his regional tour to Algeria, Greece, Turkey and Cyprus.
He is scheduled to meet with his Iranian counterpart Kamal Kharrazi and
a member of the presiding board of the parliament (majlis) to discuss regional
and bilateral issues and also expansion of Tehran-Havana relations within the
framework of the Group of 77 developing countries, currently chaired by the
Islamic Republic. Last December, in a one day seminar held in Havana, Iranian
and Cuban participants called for expansion of trade relations between thetwo
countries.
The seminar was organized by Head of Cuban Chamber of Commerce,
Antonio Carrecarrte.
Carrecarrte touched on President Mohammad Khatami's first-ever visit
to Havana and a later visit by Cuban Vice-President Carlos Lage to Tehran,
saying Cuban trade officials are determined to purchase petrochemicals,
foodstuffs, leather, textile and medical products from Iran.
He called on Exports Promotion Center of Iran to take an active part in
Havana's upcoming trade fair.
The Iranian ambassador to Havana outlined the goals of the Third
Five-Year Economic Development Plan (March 2000-March 2005).
During Lage's visit to Tehran, Iran and Cuba discussed bilateral
economic cooperation.
Both countries' economies are under U.S.-imposed sanctions.
The value of annual trade between Cuba and Iran is about dlrs 100
million, chiefly sugar and other agricultural products, fisheries and
biotechnology.
Cuba and Iran have expressed interest in broadening their trade beyond
traditional commodities to include such new items as medicines and industrial
goods.
Iran announced last year it would make available dlrs 10 million in
short-term export credits to Cuba to purchase Iranian goods.
AK/HR
End
::irna 22/01/2001 23:39 | 