On Monday, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo arrived in Havana, Cuba as part of the NYS Trade Mission to Cuba. Upon arriving at Jose Marti Airport, the Governor was greeted by Josefina Vidal, director general of the U.S. division at Cuba’s Foreign Ministry. Later the Governor met with Cuba’s Minister of Foreign Trade Rodrigo Malmierca, along with other Cuban and New York officials. In the afternoon, the Governor delivered remarks at the opening of a business roundtable meeting between New York and Cuban trade and industry leaders representing a variety of sectors.
Cuba watchers and other experts praised Governor Cuomo for taking the initiative in launching the New York-Cuba Trade Mission. “While 26 hours is not the optimal time frame to take full advantage of the opportunity of a trade mission to Cuba, the symbolism and what it portends for New York should not be minimized. The key will be the follow-up after the trip,” remarked Antonio Martinez II, Esq., head of the Cuba Trade Group at Gotham Government Relations.
NYS Trade Mission to Cuba_Mtg with Rodrigo Malmierca Diaz (Photo courtesy of the Associated Press)
After the business roundtable meeting, the Governor participated in a walking tour of Old Havana, which included a viewing of an antique car and a brief meeting with students from the State University of New York system who are currently studying in Cuba as part of exchange programs. This informal meeting was also attended by other members of the NYS Trade Mission, including SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher.
Governor Cuomo then met with Cardinal Jaime Lucas Ortega y Alamino. Newsday served as print pool for this meeting. Pool photos courtesy of the Associated Press – which include the walking tour and visit to an antique car in Old Havana as well as the meeting with the Cardinal.
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