Until German reunification, Cuba’s relations with Germany were shaped, on the one hand, by its close ties with the German Democratic Republic and, on the other, by its critical stance towards the Federal Republic of Germany with its Western orientation.

Since the visit to Cuba by Germany’s then Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier in 2015, and as a result of the European Union’s policy of opening up towards Cuba, relations between the two sides have intensified. Despite differences of opinion on many issues, including such important aspects as the rule of law and human rights, both sides have an interest in developing their cooperation further, at bilateral level particularly in the business sector and at international level on climate protection, peace and security.

Economic relations gained greater prominence with the official opening of the German Office to Promote Trade and Investment in Havana in October 2018. German companies are particularly active in the energy, health and tourism sectors.

Although there is no official bilateral development cooperation with Cuba, it is involved in some regional or trilateral German development aid projects in the fields of renewable energies, combating climate change and environmental protection. Several German NGOs operate in Cuba, mainly in the energy and water supply sectors, as well as in adult education.

Lively cultural cooperation, collaboration in science and research, as well as academic exchange funded by the German Academic Exchange Service, are key pillars of the bilateral relations. There is a liaison office of the Goethe Institute at the German Embassy in Havana. A number of higher education cooperation agreements are in place, and there are many alumni whose potential contribution to relations has yet to be tapped.