Havana, June 23 (RHC) -– Singapore's intentions are to advance its relations with Cuba, not only in the economic realm but also in the political arena, said the visiting Singaporean Foreign and Justice Minister, Kasiviswanathan Shanmugam, here in Havana.

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez received his counterpart from the Republic of Singapore at the headquarters of the Cuban Foreign Ministry, , with whom he had official talks on Monday.

During the meeting, the Cuban foreign minister highlighted the positive development of relations between the two countries, especially in the economic sphere.

He also referred to bilateral cooperation in the management of the special development zone of Mariel by the Port Authority of Singapore. And he highlighted the support of the Asian country to Cuba at the United Nations.

"Singapore plays a significant role in international organizations and integration mechanisms. From the point of view of bilateral relations, we can say that these have developed favorably, and the links in different fields are growing and positive. Our relationship in developing the port of Mariel is a symbol of cooperation between our countries and we also feel that there is a promising situation to develop the vast potential that still exists."

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Singapore said he was pleased with his stay, mainly because of the possibility it offers to promote international and bilateral relations.

"I believe that the relations between our two countries are a feature of friendly countries. For over 20 years, particularly in the environment of the United Nations, we have always supported Cuba and our mutual understanding goes back to an even earlier time."

"We think we can do a lot in the international sphere and in the area of bilateral relations, and I'm not only referring to the economic aspect but also to a political and strategic point of view."