Australian Foreign Minister Gareth Evans recently visited Cuba for talks with President Fidel Castro and other government officials on a lucrative nickel-mining deal and on other prospects for investment.
Evans said at his arrival that he would discuss economic co-operation and the “new opportunities” brought about by recent changes to Cuban investment laws, Agence France Presse reports.
His 24-hour visit came amid negotiations between Western Mining of Australia and Cuban-owned Caribbean Nickel, aimed at exploiting the rich nickel reserves of eastern Cuba.
Western Mining signed a letter of intent with Cuban officials last September for a US$500-million venture affecting the Pinares de Mayari nickel deposits in the Moa region.
Also discussed were human rights concerns and Cuba’s US$11-million debt to Australia.
Cuba and Australia established diplomatic relations in 1989 but have had few business dealings.
Several Canadian mining companies have been pursuing exploration and development deals in the Caribbean country.
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