Havana, September 11 (RHC)-- Cuban and European diplomats have announced important advancements, particularly on the chapter of trade, during the fifth round of negotiations towards a bilateral accord for political and cooperation dialog, held this week in Havana.

The two sides said they are getting closer to reaching an understanding on practically all issues related to the chapter on commerce, and they announced another round of talks for November, in Brussels, to deepen discussion on political issues and consider the first part of the accord and final considerations.

Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Abelardo Moreno stressed the advancement about cooperation and added that they opened a detailed analysis on political dialog after having identified main issues to discuss, such as the fight against discrimination and weapons trafficking.

Meanwhile, the executive director for The Americas at the European Foreign Action Service, Christian Leffler, said the talks were aimed at consolidating documents related to cooperation, trade and economic exchange.

Leffler said that they considered all draft documents presented and that the round of talks allowed for better mutual understanding. “With this work already done, we are now in good condition to achieve progress in the issues relevant to political dialog in our next round,” he noted.

Moreno and Leffler agreed, in separate statements, that there are different focuses on many aspects, but they are getting their positions closer during the course of negotiations. There is no disagreement, but different approaches, Moreno said.

Moreno recalled that Cuba and European countries already have trade and cooperation going, and that for a long time now many countries with the European Union have their embassies in Cuba.