(VOVworld) - Germany and Cuba have showed their readiness to promote bilateral cooperation. The statement came after a meeting between German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier and visiting Cuban Foreign Minister Rodriguez Parrilla on Tuesday.

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier met with his visiting Cuban Foreign Minister Rodriguez Parrilla (Photo by: AFP)

Speaking at a press briefing, Mr. Steinmeier welcomed the first official visit to Berlin by a Cuban Foreign Minister since Germany's reunification in 1990. He said Germany wants to strengthen cooperation with Cuba in economics, politics, and culture. He hopes that the two sides will sign this year the economic and cultural agreements now on the table. Mr. Steinmeier said Germany supports Cuba’s open-door policy, and that Germany and Cuba can now exchange their views despite their differences. Mr. Steinmeier hailed that Cuba’s important role in the region and its contribution to peace in Colombia. He said he hopes a peace deal between The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia and the Colombian government can be reached this year.