Co-operation accord signed between Balearics and Cuba

Balearic leader Francesc Antich and José Ramón Fernández, the deputy leader of Cuba, yesterday signed an agreement of collaboration to develop projects in the fields of agriculture, health, social welfare, public works, the environment, culture and international cooperation. The agreement covers a four-year period. Antich said it was “a declaration of intentions which will govern cooperation projects developed in Cuba by the Balearic government.” He added that it was an effort to transmit the values of justice, solidarity and social cohesion to the field of international cooperation, and said that the bilateral programmes would be “very beneficial” to both communities. Fernández expressed his satisfaction at being here, and said that the signing of the agreement had an“emotional, humane and historical meaning”. He described Cuba as “a sovereign country with potential” and criticised the blockade it has been subjected to by the United States. He said that his country has been “open to foreign investment” since 1983 and that since June 1 the euro has been accepted in Varadero. Fernandez was also received by Maria Antonia Munar, the president of the Council of Majorca, and held a meeting with representatives of the Chamber of Commerce of Majorca, Ibiza and Formentera.