An International Heavyweight

Canada - A good friend
Cuba has historically maintained a good working relationship with Canada which has been one of the country's key trading partners, sources of foreign direct investment and number one source of tourists visiting the island.

EU [Cuba] relations
Cuba's relationship with the EU has been problematic over thepast few years. While the EU supports constructive engagement ithas sought to impose political conditions on deeper co-operation.A review of EU policy was followed by an EU-US summit in Viennaon June 21, 2006. The joint statement from this summit drewsharp criticism from a 'Granma' editorial which portrayed the EUas US 'lackeys'. Additionally wide differences between membercountries on Cuba policy make consensus difficult, with the CzechRepublic supporting a particularly tough line.

In November, 2006 a UN resolution condemning US sanctions was passed for the15th consecutive year with a record numberin favor (183) and 3 against

Closer relations with China
China is now Cuba's second-most important trading partner. Aswell as exporting electrical products and importing sugar, China established two joint production biotech facilities in 2005 and signed a new agreement to develop new research together. Interest in the exploitation and expansion of Cuba's nickel reserves through significant Chinese investment in new plantsand the upgrading of existing ones is ongoing.

Caribbean solidarity
There is a growing interest in developing stronger relationships with other Caribbean islands and Caricom.
During a Caricom-Cuba summit on Dec 8, 2005 in Barbados, Caricom leaders recognised the support Cuba had providedt hem in healthcare and education and issued the “Bridgetown Declaration" condemning the US embargo.
During 2006 visits were made to Cuba by senior figures from ST. Lucia, Haiti and Jamaica and agreements signed with Antigua and Barbuda. Additionally Bahamas opened a new Embassy during July.

Cuba's role with the UNand other developing countries
Cuba has maintained its social and economic aid programs to developing countries. The focus of those programs has becomemore commercially based recently although substantial healthcare is still donated.
March 21-23, 2005, saw the summit in Havana of the Group of 77 (a caucus of developing countries), offering a high-profile showcase for Cuba against globalization, debt and the US.
The 14th NAM summit held in Havana (see article) wasattended by 56 heads of state from 118 countries.

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