The Minister for the Americas and the Caribbean, David Rutley MP, has arrived in Cuba to agree a new cooperation agreement.
During his visit, Minister Rutley will sign the new Political Dialogue and Co-operation Agreement (PDCA) between the UK and Cuba. The agreement sets a framework for future dialogue between the two countries on a range of issues, including sustainable development, the environment, and human rights.
Minister Rutley will meeting Cuban Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodríguez during his visit and will be attending a meeting with the Heads of UN agencies in Cuba, including the United Nations Development Plan, the World Food Programme, and UNICEF.
During his trip, the Minister is also scheduled to meet local entrepreneurs, as well as members of the Cuba Chevening alumni community to learn about the social and economic situation in Cuba.
FCDO Americas Minister, David Rutley MP said:
As part of our commitment to strengthening the UK-Cuba relationship, I look forward to signing a Political Dialogue and Co-operation Agreement that will see us engage on issues important to both sides such as human rights and the embargo.
UK Ambassador to Cuba Sir George Hollingbery said:
We are delighted to welcome Minister Rutley on his first official visit to Cuba and we look forward to discussing a wide range of issues that are of mutual benefit to the UK and Cuba.
Total trade in goods and services (exports plus imports) between the UK and Cuba was £94 million in the four quarters to the end of Q2 2023, an increase of 59.3% or £35 million in current prices from the four quarters to the end of Q2 2022. Of this £94 million:
- Total UK exports to Cuba amounted to £33 million in the four quarters to the end of Q2 2023 (an increase of 50.0% or £11 million in current prices, compared to the four quarters to the end of Q2 2022);
- Total UK imports from Cuba amounted to £61 million in the four quarters to the end of Q2 2023 (an increase of 64.9% or £24 million in current prices, compared to the four quarters to the end of Q2 2022).
Source: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and David Rutley MP
Cuba is governed by an authoritarian Marxist Communist regime. Are these really the type of people with which respectable Conservative and Unionists wish to do business?