Lula meets with Cuban leader Diaz-Canel in Paris

Luiz Lula da Silva, the President of Brazil, met with Cuba’s leader, Miguel Díaz-Canel, in Paris.

The meeting at the Intercontinental Le Grand Hotel also included discussions with a delegation from Haiti.

Lula, who arrived in Europe earlier in the week, has been engaging in diplomatic talks.

During the meeting, Lula and Díaz-Canel addressed Cuba’s outstanding debt to Brazil, which amounts to billions of dollars.

Brazil had provided significant financing to Cuba for infrastructure projects, such as the Mariel Port in Havana, during the administrations of Lula and Dilma Rousseff.

However, Cuba has only made partial repayments, leading to a substantial outstanding balance. Similar loan defaults have also occurred with Venezuela and Mozambique, totaling over US$1.2 billion.

The discussions did not involve new projects between Brazil and Cuba. Instead, the two countries focused on appointing ambassadors to enhance their diplomatic relations.

Díaz-Canel expressed his satisfaction with the meeting on Twitter, emphasizing the historical ties between the two nations and the potential for increased cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

The bilateral meetings took place as part of the New Global Financial Compact summit organized by French President Emmanuel Macron.

Additionally, Brazil’s export promotion agency, Apex-Brasil, is planning a business mission to Cuba during the upcoming Book Fair in Havana in 2024, where Brazil will be honored.

Lula’s agenda for the following day includes active participation in the New Global Financial Pact, meetings with Macron, and engagements with other heads of state.

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