Top EU foreign official Federica Mogherini to visit Cuba

HAVANA, March 15 (UPI) -- European Union foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini will visit Cuba in March to improve relations as the United States continues negotiations with the communist country.

Scheduled for March 23 and 24, Mogherini will be the highest-ranked foreign policy EU official to visit the Cuba. She will meet with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez, other government officials and non-governmental leaders such as such as Archbishop of Havana Cardinal Jaime Ortega.

"The European Union is eager to see how we can take the relationship forward with strong momentum," Mogherini said. "The EU has been closely following the developments in Cuba and its relations with key international players, which create new dynamics in the region and in Cuba itself, and provide new opportunities for all."

The EU removed sanctions on Cuba in 2008 and the is Cuba's second-largest trading partner.

The United States and Cuba are currently under negotiations to thaw relations after more than 50 years. Negotiations include the establishment of embassies and the possible removal of Cuba from the United State's list of countries that sponsor terrorism.