Vienna - Cuba maintains its willingness to continue a respectful dialogue and cooperation in matters of common interest with the United States, and to negotiate pending bilateral issues, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez stressed here on Monday.

In a press conference in Austria, the Cuban minister reaffirmed that such dialogue must take place on the basis of equality, reciprocity and absolute respect for our sovereignty and independence.

'As proved by the achievements made over the past two years, Cuba and the United States can cooperate and coexist in a civilized way, respecting the deep differences between their governments and promoting everything that benefits both nations and peoples,' Rodriguez underlined.

The foreign minister noted, 'Cuba will not make concessions regarding its sovereignty and independence, it will not negotiate its principles nor will it accept conditions, as it has never done along the history of the Revolution.'

The changes that may be necessary in Cuba will be made on a sovereign basis by the Cuban people, as they have always be done. We will not ask for anyone's opinion or permission, Rodriguez stressed.