Kishida outlined the plan, otherwise known as "non-reimbursable financial assistance," during his three-day visit to the island, a first for a Japanese foreign minister. Accompanied by approximately 30 Japanese company executives, Kishida is tasked with strengthening economic ties, boosting investment and deepening cooperation with Havana in a number of areas.
#Japan foreign minister in #Cuba: "We would like to start grant aid in earnest," http://t.co/cikASLTE7M
— Martin Fackler (@facklernyt) 2 мая 2015
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez spoke of promoting "multifaceted cooperation" with Japan during a meeting with Kishida, adding that Havana is interested in strengthening trade, investment and scientific cooperation with Tokyo.
Japan's Foreign Minister came to Havana following a visit to the United States. He welcomed recent developments in the relations between the US and Cuba during a meeting with State Secretary John Kerry, adding that Japan wants to support the effort.
Japan's diplomatic relations with Cuba were established in 1929. Bilateral trade between Japan and Cuba amounts to $52 million. Tokyo mainly imports tobacco, coffee and fish from Cuba, exporting machinery to the island.
