Ministerial first as Martin visits Cuba
It is the first ever visit of an Irish minister to Cuba which today marks its 50th anniversary of communism.
On February 16, 1959, Fidel Castro was sworn in as leader.
Mr Martin will not meet the ailing Castro or his brother Raul, who took over as president last year. But he will hold discussions with foreign minister Felipe Pérez Roque to discuss economic, social and human rights issues as well as ways to develop bilateral relations between the countries.
Mr Martin begins his visit to Latin America in Mexico City today where he will meet foreign minister Patricia Espinosa to discuss Irish trade with and investment in Mexico.
He will outline the economic challenges facing Ireland and the European Union at an address to the Mexican Council of Foreign Affairs tonight.
Tomorrow he will travel to Havana for a visit which takes place against a background of changing international policy towards Cuba. Last year the EU decided to formally restore relations with the island.
Mr Martin said: “Cuba is undergoing a major transformation, and its relations with the EU have entered a new phase. I wish to avail of this new context to discuss a wide range of political, economic and social issues, including human rights, all of which are included in the agendas for my meetings.”
Today the minister will discuss opportunities with Mexican business leaders at a meeting being hosted by the Irish Embassy and the Irish Chamber of Commerce in Mexico.
“I regard this visit to Latin America as a demonstration of the importance of this region as a major political and economic force in the 21st century, on which Ireland should increase its focus.
“We enjoy excellent relations with Mexico, where our exports are fast approaching €750 million annually and where Irish companies have invested in excess of €350m. Mexico enjoys a unique position as a competitive market adjacent to the United States and to South America,” he said.
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