英外交大臣近60年來首次訪問古巴

Britain’s foreign secretary met with Cuban officials Thursday to discuss trade and tourism ties with the communist country, marking the first visit of its kind since 1959.

英國外交大臣哈蒙德星期四會晤古巴官員，討論英古兩國之間的貿易和旅遊事宜。這是英國外交大臣自1959年以來首次訪問古巴。

Upon landing in Cuba late Thursday, Philip Hammond said Britain is ready to strengthen its ties with the small island nation, and signed several cooperation agreements on energy, education and financial services.

哈蒙德星期四晚上抵達古巴後表示，英國願與古巴增進關係，並簽署了幾項能源、教育和金融服務領域的合作協議。

Last year, according to the British Department of Trade and Industry, exports to Cuba rose by 25 percent. Also last year, according to Hammond, Britain was the second largest country of origin for tourists to Cuba, trailing only Canada, with 160,000 Britons making the trip.

英國貿易工業部的數字顯示，英國去年對古巴的出口額增加了25%。哈蒙德表示，去年有16萬英國人前往古巴旅遊，人數之多僅次於加拿大。

Hammond is scheduled to participate in several “high-level meetings” while in Cuba to discuss social and economic changes, human rights and the fight against global health threats such as the Zika virus.

按照預定日程，哈蒙德訪問古巴期間將進行幾次“高層會晤”，討論社會及經濟改革、人權以及應對寨卡病毒等全球健康威脅等問題。

Hammond’s visit to Cuba follows a March visit by U.S. President Barack Obama – the first president to visit Cuba since 1928.

今年3月，美國總統奧巴馬訪問了古巴，這是1928年以來美國總統對古巴的首次訪問。