Secretary Vilsack meets with Cuban Vice-President and Minister of Agriculture

Havana, November 12, 2015 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack arrived in Havana yesterday, November 11, becoming the third U.S. cabinet official to visit Cuba since the reestablishment of diplomatic relations on July 20. He is accompanied by U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon and U.S. Representatives Terri Sewell of Alabama, Suzan DelBene of Washington and Kurt Schrader of Oregon.

Yesterday, Secretary Vilsack met with Vice President of the Council of Ministers Ricardo Cabrisas. This morning, he met with Minister of Agriculture Gustavo Rodriguez Rollero. Both meetings focused on the role that agriculture can play as the United States expands its relationship with the Cuban people. This introductory visit to Cuba will explore areas of common interest in the agricultural sectors of both countries.

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