IN the afternoon of Wednesday November 4, President Raúl Castro Ruz received His Excellency Mr. Karel De Gucht, European Commissioner for development and humanitarian aid, who is on an official visit to our country.

The meeting confirmed the intention to continue making progress with respect to cooperation between the European Commission and Cuba, as well as constructing a bilateral framework between the European Union and our country, based on non-interference in internal affairs and respect for the sovereignty of states.

Also present were Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla and His Excellency Mr. Javier Niño, charge d’affaires for the European Commission in Cuba.

HAVANA, November 4.— Karel De Gucht, European Commissioner for development and humanitarian aid, expressed his satisfaction at the meeting held lastWednesday with Cuban President Raúl Castro Ruz.

"We conversed for two hours, discussing the relationship between the European Union (EU) and Cuba. It was a very open conversation, an extremely frank dialogue and, at the same time, very constructive," said the visitor shortly before his departure.

Another issued addressed was that of relations between the 27 European nations and Havana, the Belgian official stated to the national and foreign press at the José Martí International Airport.

Responding to a question from reporters, the high-ranking EU official stated his opposition to the U.S. blockade of the island that has been maintained for almost five decades, describing it as "a useless tool for international relations".

De Gucht arrived in Havana last Saturday in response to an invitation from Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla. During his stay, he inaugurated the European Commission’s stand at the 17th Havana Trade Fair and visited sites of historic and scientific interest. (AIN)