Havana, May 8 (RHC) –- The Netherlands has a solid relationship with Cuba, according to the visiting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bert Koenders. The Netherlands and Cuba will be working more closely together in the future, the minister told reporters in Havana, where he paid an official visit.

There have been a number visits between the Netherlands and Cuba recently. Prime Minister Mark Rutte visited Havana in April for meetings with, among other officials, President Raul Castro. Cuban Minister of Foreign Affairs Bruno Rodriguez also recently visited the Netherlands. “The many visits and meetings of the past time, at all levels, characterize the efforts of the Netherlands as a bridge builder towards Cuba”, Koenders said.

During his visit, Koenders met with Cuban First Vice President Miguel Diaz-Canel and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Marcelino Medina, the head of foreign trade and investment and a leader of the Catholic Church.

The Netherlands has expressed its desire to mediate in the current negotiations between Havana and the European Union and says it can offer knowledge and expertise in the fields of agriculture, water management, airport security and health care. And according to Koenders, the Netherlands and Cuba are on the verge of signing a contract for two large investment projects on the island.