Havana, November 14 (RHC)-- Belgium's Ambassador to Cuba Patrick Van Gheel described as 'excellent' his country's relations with Cuba and the existing potential to expand economic and trade links.

After participating here in Havana in a program of activities to highlight and promote Belgian culture, Ambassador Van Gheel expressed satisfaction with these and other initiatives aimed at bringing both nations and peoples closer together.

The Belgian diplomat said current trade between his country and Cuba amounts to 100 million dollars. He mentioned that two Belgian companies are already operating at the Mariel Development Zone, and said the aim is to expand Belgian presence there, with the subsequent positive impact on job generation and technology transfer.

He said the shift in the European Union policy toward Cuba is in keeping with the rapprochement between Brussels and Havana. He added that Belgium's traditional vote at the UN General Assembly in favor of the annual resolution against the U.S. blockade policy is based on humanitarian reasons and the European nation's defense of international law and the right of every state to free trade.