Havana, January 7 (RHC)-- Visiting German Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel has said in Havana that his country is interested in improved and strengthened economic and political relations with Cuba.

The German official, along with Cuban Foreign Trade and Investment Minister Rodrigo Malmierca, presided over a Cuba-Germany business forum here in Havana, aimed at boosting trade relations and identifying new investment opportunities in the Caribbean state.

In the framework of Wednesday's forum, Sigmar and Malmierca signed a memorandum of understanding that provides for the establishment of a German Trade and Investment Office in Cuba. A Joint Declaration was also signed, establishing guidelines for economic collaboration between the two countries.

During the forum, a political mechanism was also created for permanent consultation between the foreign ministries of Germany and Cuba.

During his two-day stay here in Cuba, the German vice chancellor is also scheduled to visit the Mariel Special Development Zone and meet with other Cuban officials, including First Vice President Miguel Díaz-Canel and Economy and Planning Minister Marino Murillo.