(VOVworld) – Cuba and the European Union have signed a political dialogue and cooperation agreement, a new legal framework for both sides to normalize their relations.

High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs Federica Mogherini (L) and Cuban Minister of Foreign Affairs Bruno Rodriguez attend a press conference in Havana on March 11, 2016 (Photo: AFP/Yamil Lage)

Federica Mogherini, the EU's High Secretary for Foreign Affairs, and Cuba Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez attended the Friday signing. Mogherini said the deal marks a new phase in bilateral relations, a historic demonstration of mutual trust and understanding.

Rodriguez said recent talks and the signing of the new deal have proven Cuba is ready for open dialogues on all topics based on the principle of mutual respects of sovereignty and freedom of each nation.

Rodriguez said the new agreement is broader and has overcome the EU policy on Cuba guided by the Common Position of December 1996, which used to be considered the main hurdle in the normalization of the EU-Cuba relations.