Paris, December 15 (RHC)-- Cuba and the Principality of Monaco are celebrating the 10th anniversary of the opening of Diplomatic Relations between the two countries, on December 19th, 2007. 

A ceremony to mark the date took place at the Embassy of the Principality of Monaco in Paris, during which Cuban Ambassador Elio Rodríguez and the Ambassador of Monaco, Claude Cottalorda, reaffirmed their governments' determination to continue advancing bilateral ties.

Addressing those in attendance, Cottalorda said the long geographical distance separating Cuba from the Principality of Monaco has not prevented the two nations from enjoying strong friendship and cooperation ties based on mutual respect and support. He pointed to education and environmental protection as two areas, where Cuba and Monaco have collaboration projects.

The diplomat further stressed that Monaco and Cuba share similar views on several issues and pointed to the quest for peace in today's unstable world, the global fight against terrorism and the decisive role human resources play in achieving sustainable development.

The Cuban ambassador, for his part, stressed that Cuba and Monaco have long maintained fruitful contacts in several fields of common interest. He recalled that both Cuba and Monaco are small states, striving for sustainable development. He said: “It has not been easy for any of us, but both Monaco and Cuba have managed to carve a niche for itself on the world map.

The Cuban diplomat pointed to what he described as huge potential to advance bilateral cooperation ties and pointed to such sectors as culture, the economy, trade and sports.