Prensa Latina
Moscow, April 3 (Prensa Latina) Russian President Vladimir Putin in a message has called for closer economic and cultural ties with Cuba as the two sides meet in Havana for the eighth session of the Intergovernmental Commission. In a letter addressed to the council of ministers in Cuba Thursday, Putin stressed the need to rebuild trade ties that were severed following the break-up of the Soviet Union.

Currently, a Russian delegation is in Havana for bilateral talks.

Putin said the commission would help in fostering political, economic, cultural and humanitarian ties between the two countries.

The Russian President, who will hand over power to his elected successor and long time friend Dmitry Medvednev May 7, expressed confidence at the increasing bilateral cooperation.

He proposed cooperation in the areas of high technologies and innovation such as biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.

He said the two countries must come out with a set of priority areas after the current session of their meeting for taking up new projects.
Prensa Latina