Colombia, Cuba Boost Relations
Colombian Foreign Minister Carolina Barco, who is scheduled to arrive in Havana Friday, praised bilateral relations with Cuba, saying there are strong links and good understanding between the two countries.

Barco, who will be in Cuba till Sunday 2, told Prensa Latina before taking off for Havana there is good progress in education, cultural and scientific-technical cooperation, among others.

During her visit in Cuba, Barco will be accompanied by Trade, Industry and Tourism Minister Jorge Humberto Botero, Energy and Mining Minister Luis Ernesto Mejias and High Commissioner for Peace Luis Carlos Restrepo.

The aim of Botero and Mejias in the island is to increase trade relations with Cuba and exchange energy policies.

Barco will meet with her Cuban counterpart Felipe Perez Roque to discuss issues of bilateral interest, as well as regional and international affairs.

She said Colombia will participate in the 14th Non-Aligned Countries Movement (NAM) Summit, scheduled in Havana next September 11-16.

The Colombian delegation has meetings scheduled with other Cuban high-ranking officials and will tour sites of economic and historical interest.