Cuba, First Latin American Stopover by Iranian FM

Iranian Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, will arrive in Cuba on Sunday, Aug. 21, on the first stopover of a tour of Latin America which gives particular importance in the political and economic sphere, diplomatic sources today confirmed.
The Cuban embassy in Tehran stated that Zarif will be accompanied by a wide delegation composed of government officials and state and private business people, and hold talks with the island's peer, Bruno Rodriguez.

Zarif and Rodriguez will review the state of the bilateral ties in several fields; the embassy's note said adding that the visitor also expects to meet with other senior officials of the Caribbean country.

During his stay in Cuba, Zarif would sign bilateral agreements, the source said.

This trip takes place following a recent visit to Tehran of Cuban Vice President, Ricardo Cabrisas.

Cabrisas, also Minister of Economy and Planning, came to Iran as a special envoy of Cuban President, Raul Castro, and the Iranian Head of State, Hassan Rouhani, received him.

Zarif will begin his visit to Havana on August 21, to continue touring of Nicaragua, Ecuador, Chile, Bolivia and Venezuela. The aim is to open a new chapter in the relationships between Iran and Latin America.

About 60 political and business representatives will accompany Zarif in his tour.

Referring to the journey, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for European and American Affairs, Majid Takht Ravanchi, said yesterday this tour would expand and strengthen relations and counteract the 'Iranophobia' Israel has been promoting.