Latin America - [02/23/2009]

CIDOB participates in comparative debate conference on Canada and Spain's relations with Cuba

At the meeting held in Madrid by FRIDE, FOCAL and Casa de América on 19 February, the participants debated the triangular relations between Cuba, Canada and Spain, and assessed future prospects for cooperation. During the work sessions, participants analysed common agendas and challenges with respect to political dialogue, cooperation, trade and investment. Francesc Bayo, a researcher at CIDOB, took part in the session in which participants examined Spain's stance as the main variable in the European Union's relations with Cuba. Bayo began by explaining the structural factors that characterise relations between Spain, the EU and Cuba, before going on to tackle the difficulties in establishing a proactive, coherent and lasting policy. He subsequently gave a summary of the policy of the present Spanish government, and ended with an overview of bilateral relations following the departure of Fidel Castro from the forefront of Cuban politics.

This event, which was organised in collaboration with the Canadian Embassy in Madrid and sponsored by Canada's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, brought together researchers, experts and representatives of institutions and the governments of the three countries.

>> For more information on the activity, see the FRIDE website