EU-Cuba: Epilogue of the Common Position? - by Fernando Ravsberg

Relations between Cuba and Europe could possibly take a turn in the medium term. Brussels appears willing to sit down and talk with Havana on the issues that divide them, supplanting unilateral measures with mutual agreement.

That was explained to me by the EU Ambassador in Cuba, Herman Portocarrero, who met with us after his most recent trip to Europe. It was an informal conversation with the objective of giving us a glimpse of the new stage of relations between Havana and Brussels.

The diplomat assured me that it’s possible to have a normal relationship with Cuba and that this could result from bilateral negotiations. Nevertheless, he said preparation to sit at the table will take around six months and reaching an agreement will take at least a year and a half.

He assured me that the new EU approach relates to the changes and reforms on the island, and he believes that an agreement will allow the EU to support Cuba on issues such as food security, economic modernization, taxes and microcredit.

Read more:E U-Cuba: Epilogue of the Common Position? - Havana Times.org

Turkey: Bulgaria to open cultural centre in Istanbul

Bulgarian Minister of Culture Vezhdi Rashidov announced that Bulgaria will open a cultural centre in Istanbul, The Anatolian Agency reported.

The minister remarked that the cultural centres that the two countries will open in Bulgaria and Turkey will play an important role for the development of the bilateral relations.

So far Bulgaria has opened cultural centres in 11 countries.
Minister Rashidov remarked that culture is the best ambassador between countries.

For more: Bulgaria to open cultural centre in Istanbul - FOCUS Information Agency