Canadian PM vows to boost ties with Cuba

Visiting Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday highlighted his country's "close and historic ties" with Cuba and promised to promote bilateral ties as well as Cuba's ties with the rest of the world, state daily Granma said.

Before giving a speech and answering questions at the University of Havana, "Trudeau recalled how his country and Mexico were the only ones in the hemisphere to maintain diplomatic ties with Cuba following the 1959 Revolution," said the daily.

Trudeau also recalled that his father, Pierre Trudeau, visited Cuba in 1976 during his term as prime minister.

The event at the University of Havana was attended by Cuban President Raul Castro, First Vice President Miguel Diaz-Canel and other officials, said Granma.

Trudeau's official website reported he and Castro "agreed to collaborate on climate change, gender equality, regional safety and security issues, as well as take steps to grow both economies and strengthen the middle class."

"I would like to thank President Castro and the Cuban people for their warmth and hospitality. It is no wonder that so many Canadians keep returning every year to this beautiful country," the prime minister said.

Canadians represent the largest group by far of international visitors travelling to Cuba each year.

"This visit showed me how much we have in common, the tremendous opportunities that exist to build closer social and economic ties between our nations, and Cuba's openness to frank and respectful exchanges on governance, human rights and other important social issues," said Trudeau.

The Canadian leader, who arrived on Tuesday, will visit Argentina before travelling to Peru to participate in the 2016 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Informal Leaders' Meeting.