Havana, June 8(RHC)-- Cuban foreign minister Bruno Rodríguez is currently on a working visit to Canada, where he was received Friday by his Canadian counterpart Chrystia Freeland.

The foreign ministers’ meeting in Toronto gives continuity to bilateral exchanges held here in Havana on May 16th last.

Minister Bruno Rodríguez expressed Cuba’s concern about the staff reduction and the suspension of services for Cubans at the Canadian embassy in Havana. The top Cuban diplomat added that the decision is already negatively affecting bilateral exchanges in several sectors, Cubans, who now have to travel to a third country to obtain a Canadian visa, as well as Canadian families that have a Cuban member.

The top Cuban diplomat reiterated that Cuba is a safe country, recognized as such globally and that there is absolutely no evidence that Canadian diplomats nor nationals from any other country are at risk here on the island.

Minister Bruno Rodríguez thanked Canada’s traditional position at the United Nations against Washington’s blockade policy toward Cuba and more recently against the Trump Administration’s decision to activate Title III of the Helms-Burton Act.

The top Cuban diplomat and his Canadian counterpart also exchanged on the regional and international situation. Minister Rodríguez reiterated Cuba’s support for Venezuela and president Nicolás Maduro, and urged Canada to support the Montevideo Mechanism –an initiative launched by the Caribbean Community, Mexico and Uruguay that seeks a peaceful solution through dialogue between the government of president Maduro and the country’s opposition.