MEXICO, April 2 (RIA Novosti) - Cuba's minister of government said Havana and Russia need to overcome past differences in their relationship and boost trade links, a Cuban news agency reported on Tuesday.
Ricardo Cabrisas said during the first session in eight years of a bilateral intergovernmental commission in Havana attended by Russia's Transportation Minister Igor Levitin, that he hoped Moscow shared his views, Prensa Latina reported.
Levitin, in his turn, told the commission that bilateral trade in 2007 reached $363 million, and the visit by the Russian delegation was aimed at finding new mechanisms to expand trade and economic ties, adding that Russia is interested in developing commercial ties with Cuba.
Cabrisas also expressed hope that the planned signing of a number of bilateral documents on Thursday would strengthen the work of the commission.
In a statement from Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed to Cuban President Raul Castro, the Russian leader proposed Cuba establish joint ventures and step up investment projects.
"We need to actively promote cooperation in high-tech and investment sectors, such as biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, where your country has a lot of achievements. As it turns out, we should move to implement bilateral investment projects and create joint ventures," Putin said.
The Russian president also said relations between Russia and Cuba, resting on principles "of friendship, solidarity and mutual understanding," had stood the test of time and passed through a difficult period of adaptation.
"I am pleased to point out that political dialogue between Moscow and Havana has become more trusting, with more dynamic trade and economic relations, while cultural and humanitarian cooperation has become stronger," Putin added.
Russia's outgoing president also told Raul Castro that President elect Dmitry Medvedev also intends to continue developing relations between Moscow and Havana on a mutually beneficial basis.
Raul Castro, who became president after his ailing-brother, Fidel, stepped down in February, said shortly after being elected that he was willing to introduce moderate economic reforms in Cuba, but insisted that he would not deviate from the path of socialism.
Last week a Cuban telecommunications company said they would be expanding their services after restrictions on the use of cell phones were lifted in the country.
And in mid-March Cuba lifted a ban on private farmers buying agricultural equipment in a sign that Havana wants to increase food production. The move followed the easing of restrictions on the sale of household appliances and electronic equipment for Cubans.
