AP, Havana :
French President Francois Hollande called on Monday for ending of the U.S. trade embargo on Cuba, saying France “will be a faithful ally” as Cuba reforms its centrally planned economy and tries to re-enter the global economic system.
Hollande’s one-day trip made him the first French president to visit Cuba since it became an independent country.
Along with a large contingent of French executives, he is focused on strengthening business and diplomatic relations five months after the declaration of detente between Havana and Washington.
Hollande met with President Raul Castro during his brief visit to the island.
The French leader said he also met for about 50 minutes with Castro’s older brother and revolutionary leader Fidel Castro, who talked about climatic problems, agriculture and sanctions against Cuba. Hollande said during an encounter with French residents in Cuba that Castro looked physically “deteriorated,” but that they had “an easy conversation.”
French President Francois Hollande called on Monday for ending of the U.S. trade embargo on Cuba, saying France “will be a faithful ally” as Cuba reforms its centrally planned economy and tries to re-enter the global economic system.
Hollande’s one-day trip made him the first French president to visit Cuba since it became an independent country.
Along with a large contingent of French executives, he is focused on strengthening business and diplomatic relations five months after the declaration of detente between Havana and Washington.
Hollande met with President Raul Castro during his brief visit to the island.
The French leader said he also met for about 50 minutes with Castro’s older brother and revolutionary leader Fidel Castro, who talked about climatic problems, agriculture and sanctions against Cuba. Hollande said during an encounter with French residents in Cuba that Castro looked physically “deteriorated,” but that they had “an easy conversation.”
