In the context of the S&D mission to Cuba, the delegation, led by president Gianni Pittella, met with the Cardinal Jaime Ortega who explained the role of the Catholic Church in the process of modernisation of the country.
Furthermore the delegation, also composed of the chair of the human rights committee of the European Parliament, Elena Valenciano, and the S&D Group spokesperson on development policy, Norbert Neuser, met with several representatives of different Cuban civil society associations.
Gianni Pittella stated:
"We welcome the wise role undertaken by the Catholic Church in Cuba that decided to carefully accompany the process of modernisation of the country instead of objecting to it through radical opposition. The delegation and Cardinal Ortega shared the view that we must speed up the negotiation of the Cooperation and Dialogue agreement. The S&D Group will advocate for its rapid approval.
"During the meeting with representatives of several Cuban associations, we praised the crucial vitality and dynamism of Cuba's civic society, which must be opened to the world and should have further opportunities to share their values and principles with European organisations and citizens. They surely represent a fundamental factor of progress for Cuba."
Elena Valenciano said:
"We acknowledge the big progress that has been made in terms of the visibility and rights of LGBT people; the recognition of their rights and equal opportunities. Still some challenges remain, and we hope that the cooperation with the EU will contribute to their achievement."
