Brazil FM to Tour Port before Ending Cuba Visit

Havana, Jan 17. -Brazilian Foreign Minister Antonio de Aguiar Patriota on Tuesday will tour the expansion works of the western port of Mariel, before concluding his official visit to Cuba, which was also in preparation of the impending visit of President Dilma Rousseff.According to reports, Patriota will assess the progress of those works financed by Brazil in the port, located at 40 kilometers (25 miles) west of Havana.

Companies from both countries are associated with the project, valued at 800 million USD. The work should be ready next year.

During talks with his Cuban counterpart Bruno Rodriguez, the minister said his visit is an opportunity to develop and deepen the bilateral political dialogue.

Partiota stated that President Rousseff will shortly travel to Havana, the first visit abroad after beginning her second years in office.

The stateswoman is also interested in learning about the updating of the Cuban economic model, as the transformation process started in the country with the 6th Congress of the Communist Party is known, Patriota said.

The diplomat expressed Brazilâ�Ös wish to contribute to Cuban development, through a closer cooperation in areas such as education and health, or through investments in infrastructure.

Rodriguez highlighted the current state of relations between Havana and Brasilia, as well as the role the South American country has played in the international and regional agenda. "We will face many perspectives and common challenges such as that related to the preservation of peace and climate change," Rodriguez said.

Patriota, who began a visit to Havana on Sunday, also met with Vice Presidents Marino Murillo and Ricardo Cabrisas. (Prensa Latina)