(VOVworld)- The European Union and Cuba have signed an agreement to normalize their bilateral ties. The agreement creates a legal framework and foundation for boosting political dialogue and cooperation in a number of areas.

New page in EU-Cuba ties

Last week, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla and the EU High Commissioner for Foreign Affairs and Security Federica Mogherini, together with representatives of 28 EU member states signed the agreement in Brussels, capping years of negotiations.

Mr. Parrilla says economic links with Europe will continue to be a priority for Cuba during its socialist economic development. He said the agreement “demonstrates that with good will and respect it is possible to make progress and resolve differences”. Ms. Mogherini said that under this agreement, both sides have agreed to boost bilateral cooperation and eliminate all hindrances to normalization.

This is the first agreement on trade, human rights, and migration between the EU and Cuba since 2008. In 2003, the EU imposed sanctions on Cuba and suspended cooperation with it over human rights and freedom of speech issues. They resumed negotiations in 2008. The agreement may have been hastened by fears of being left behind by the US in gaining a share of the Cuban market. Many EU countries have maintained bilateral relations with Cuba and their trade has made the EU Cuba’s second largest trade partner after Venezuela. The agreement creates a firm platform for the EU to boost its cooperation with Cuba. While the US’s 1962 economic sanctions on Cuba have not been removed completely, this deal has put an end to Cuba’s isolation.

The new pact must now be ratified by national and regional parliaments in all EU member states as well as by the Cuban National Assembly.