Both sides reviewed development partnership projects as well as trade and economic relations

India and Cuba reviewed the entire gamut of their bilateral ties at the 2nd Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) held in Havana on Monday.

During the FOC, both sides comprehensively reviewed development partnership projects, trade and economic relations, and cooperation in areas such as renewable energy, health including traditional medicine and yoga, biotechnology, agriculture, sports, health, science & technology and ICT, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Tuesday.

The two sides also exchanged views on regional and international issues of common interest including cooperation in the United Nations.

The Indian side was led by Secretary (East) Saurabh Kumar and the Cuban side was led by Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Anayansi Rodriguez Camejo.

In order to further strengthen bilateral connections between Cuba and India, the Secretary (East) met with Deputy Prime Minister Ricardo Cabrisas and Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Gerardo Pealver.

A short-term loan deal worth €100 million for the purchase of rice from India by Cuba was inked during the visit, and the Cuban government also unveiled a stamp to honour India's 75th anniversary of independence, the MEA said.