“We should take the post-JCPOA opportunity and potentials of the two countries to promote cooperation between Iran and Cuba in all fields, especially economy,” said President Rouhani in the meeting of high-ranking delegations of Iran and Cuba.

In the meeting that was held late on Monday Havana time, Dr Rouhani referred to successful nuclear negotiations with P5+1 and said: “Some major powers are trying to pressurise and impose sanctions on independent countries to maintain their monopoly in modern and key technology”.

“We are happy that with Iranian nation’s resistance the path is now clear for developing countries to continue along this path and break the monopoly of some developed countries,” continued Rouhani.

Stressing cooperation among independent countries in the field of science and technology, President said: “Iran and Cuba should promote cooperation in the field of modern technology, including nano- and bio-technology and this type of cooperation can increase independent countries’ power against domination-seekers”.

He also said that the economic commission of the two countries should be activated more than before to deepen economic relations.

“Cuba has always been Iran’s close friend in international communities and this friendship and unity between the two countries is beneficial to both nations and should continue to be maintained in international and regional issues,” said President Rouhani stressing that independent countries should stand by each other.

On common stances of Tehran and Havana in regional and international issues, he added: “Some powers are fanning regional disputes to sell their weapons; therefore, the global economy is affected and damaged”.

Praising Cuban people’s spirit of resistance against colonisers domination-seekers, Dr Rouhani said: “The Iranian nation, as well, resisted during the eight-year imposed war, when the east and the west were helping the aggressor, the same powers continued their pressures and sanctions later after the war under different pretexts”.

The Cuban President Raúl Castro also expressed happiness over President Rouhani’s visit to Havana and said: “We are proud to be Iran’s steadfast partner and no one can impede the development process of Iran-Cuba ties”.

He added: “Starting war and turmoil in the world has been a business for some major powers”.

President Castro also highlighted that cooperation between the two countries should develop in all fields of mutual interest.