Paris - France has recognized Cuba as a symbolic country in Latin America and that is why Havana has marked Paris' policy towards that region, Jean-Pierre Bel, special envoy of the French President, said.

‘Cuba has been a symbol because it has long been capable of resisting and has shown the value of defending sovereignty. It has been an example of soul and courage,' Bel told Prensa Latina.

One example of that position has been the support of all nations of the subcontinent, regardless of the political tendency of his government, to the Caribbean island's struggle against the blockade imposed by the United States, which ‘has been a tremendous injustice,' he said.

Bel referred to François Hollande's visit to Havana in May 2015, stating that, as a result of that visit, the region in general has understood France's interest in strengthening ties.

Regarding the future of the relationships between Paris and the Latin American region, Bel has been optimistic in order to continue strengthening ties.

According to the former president of the French Senate, a new stage has recently been opened in the ties between Havana and Paris, based on a relationship of trust.

The opening in Havana of a headquarters of the French Development Agency has been very important for him. This opening took place recently during a visit carried out by Bel and Secretary of State for Foreign Trade, Matthias Fekl.