Cuba officially reopened its consulate in the Dominican Republic which had been closed 33 years ago. Miguel Cruz Pérez, consul general and official representative of the Cuban government, commended Latin American businessmen for not being intimidated by the U.S. trade blockade. He pointed out that Cuba today has relations with 163 countries of the world, including all of the independent nations of the Caribbean. He said that for years the Dominican Republic and Cuba have maintained cultural, sports and cooperation agreements. Now with the opening of the consulate, he said there should be an increase in business relations. The Cuban consulate is located on Calle Hatuey 808, in the El Millon residential area. It will formally open to the public in January. The Dominican Republic has committed to open its consulate in Havana no later than February, 1998.
