Wikileaks: NZ's relationship with Cuba

This is one of the diplomatic cables about New Zealand held by Wikileaks.

June 29, 2004 New Zealand's relationship with Cuba

1. (C) The Government of New Zealand formalized diplomatic relations with Cuba in 2001, with their Ambassador resident in Mexico City accredited to Havana. According to Mike Shaw, Americas Division, New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the GoNZ uses meetings with Cuban officials to "express its concern over the human rights situation in Cuba, and encourage moves towards democratization and the promotion of human rights. These include the proper treatment of those who hold political views in opposition to the Cuban government." This is consistent with the GoNZ's policy of engagement with states that have poor human rights records. Post is unaware of any NZ entity or nationals who would be subject to Title III of the LIBERTAD Act. The GoNZ would strenuously object to any effort to apply Title III to a NZ national or entity on extraterritoriality grounds. The GoNZ is strongly supportive of U.S. positions re Cuba's human rights record, and use of Title III would jeopardize continued good-faith cooperation.

2. (SBU) Economically, Cuba was New Zealand's 40th largest trading partner in calendar year 2003, with exports to Cuba at NZ$68 million (USD42.1 million,) and imports at NZ$934,000 (USD579,000.) 97 percent of these exports were in the dairy sector, specifically milk powder. Swindells

ENDS