On August 1, 2008, the Acting First Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Mr. Y.V.Kostenko met with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Cuba Mr. J.Garmendia on the occasion of expiration of his diplomatic mission to Ukraine.

The interlocutors showed mutual satisfaction with the Ukrainian – Cuban cooperation progressive development in various areas. The need was emphasized for fuller use of the entire potential of the commercial-economic relations which traditionally existed between the two countries as far back as the Soviet times.

Separately, the Acting First Deputy Minister Mr. Y.V.Kostenko tendered his thanks for Cuba having been hosting Ukrainian children for medical treatment and health improvement in the framework of the Chornobyl Children Programme for 18 years.

Mr. Y.V.Kostenko deeply thanked Mr. J.Garmendia for his long-term fruitful professional work for development of the relations between Ukraine and Cuba. It was noted that due to professionalism and efforts of the Ambassador, the relations between our countries have become more dynamic for this period.

In conclusion, Mr. Y.V.Kostenko wished Mr. J.Garmendia successes at his new place of employment and showed hope that his experience would be successfully used for further intensification of the Ukrainian – Cuban relations.