Maravi

Cuba and Venezuela heads towards economic union

Cuba and Venezuela heads towards economic union
By Larry Moonze in Santa Clara, Cuba
Tue 27 July 2010, 14:00 CAT

CUBAN President Raul Castro has said Cuba and Venezuela are headed towards an economic union. And President Raul said should Venezuela be attacked nobody should ever be in doubt on which side Cuba will be.

Closing the Cuba-Venezuela summit at Cayo Santamaria, Villa Clara on Monday, President Raul said the two countries had identified 139 projects with potential for establishment in the medium term adding that a significant number could be implemented immediately.

“We are headed towards an economic union between Cuba and Venezuela which constitutes a new type of relationship that allow for better management of joint projects and is at the same time an important step towards achieving real economic complementarities based in the optimal use of infrastructure, knowledge, existing resources in both countries and above all the political will of our governments,” he ent Raul said the two countries had again ratified their will to ever more strengthen collaboration with other peoples on the basis of absolute respect for the path chosen by each country “and aware that we will only triumph united.”

“It is particularly significant and hopeful that our economic ties are consolidated and grow even in the midst of an economic crisis,” he said.

“We live in a difficult economic conjuncture in which new war adventures in different parts of the world that in one way or the other affect us all are added to political and economic instability and the deterioration of the environment. In our region the setting up of US military bases in Colombia puts regional stability and sovereignty of neighbouring states at risk.”

He said Cuba supported Venezuela’s right to defend itself from threats and provocation.

“We fight for peace and harmony among our peoples and our steps will always have this objective but in the case of any problem let no one be in doubt as to which side Cuba will be,” President Raul said.

He further noted that 200 years after the beginning of wars of Independence and since long before, historic experience had taught the Cubans that: “Our America only has one alternative: unite, fight and triumph.”

President Raul said Cuba and Venezuela had thoroughly examined the progress of their exchanges in the economic, commercial and financial spheres.

He said now constant monitoring and evaluation was required so that all that has been agreed upon could be fulfilled and guarantee, by the greatest possible measure, the development of both economies in such a way as to satisfy the material and spiritual needs of the two peoples.

President Raul said priority sectors were in energy, food, health, mining and light industry.

He said Cuba and Venezuela should concentrate on efforts and resources so that the strategic projects ensure development and strengthening of political and socio-economic systems.

President Raul called on both nations to stick to agreed timeframe on all agreements.

Labels: CUBA, RAUL CASTRO, VENEZUELA

posted by MrK @ 4:09 AM