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On May 13, DPJ President Banri Kaieda met with Cuban Ambassador H.E. Mr. Marcos Fermin Rodriguez Costa at party headquarters. The meeting was also attended by International Department Vice Director-General Yuichi Goto.
At the start of the meeting, Kaieda welcomed the Ambassador, and stated, “When Your Excellency arrived in Japan to take up your post, the DPJ had unfortunately been demoted to the ranks of the opposition. I would like us to make a comeback as the ruling party. There are many DPJ Diet members who like Cuba, and I would like us to continue our friendly relationship.” Rodriguez commented, “I really appreciate the fact that the DPJ has maintained relations with Cuba and shown interest in further strengthening our friendly relationship. We have had relations with the DPJ over many years prior to your party taking power, and while the DPJ was in government then Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Akamatsu became the first incumbent Japanese minister to visit Cuba. Relations between Japan and Cuba have now reached a good stage, with many opportunities available.”
Following this, the two sides discussed a wide range of issues, including bilateral trade and investment, exchanges of human resources, and possibilities for economic cooperation.
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