Cuban News Agency

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Speaking to reporters in Havana, Rousseff said that the creation of
bilateral associations is transcendental for both countries and that it
represents a significant contribution to the improvement of the quality of
life of the Cuban and Brazilian peoples.

The leader highlighted the commitment of Brazil to Latin America and the
Caribbean and its duty to maintain a policy of economic cooperation with
this region in tune with common interests.

Rousseff reiterated her desire for a strategic and lasting relationship
with Cuba and she added that some of the most important projects include
the granting of credits to Havana to buy food products and financing for
the purchase of agricultural machinery and equipment.

She also highlighted Brazil’s participation in the construction of the
port of Mariel —to the West of Havana—, a project that she regarded as a
necessary logistic system for the export of Cuban goods that will
significantly contribute to the development of the national economy.

Dilma Rousseff arrived in Havana on Monday for an official visit at the
invitation of the Cuban government.

On Tuesday morning, she paid tribute to Cuba’s National Hero Jose Marti at
Havana’s Revolution Square, where she visited the Jose Marti Memorial.