Santo Domingo, Nov 25 (Prensa Latina) The Cuban-Dominican joint commission began talks in this capital on Thursday, aiming to improve relations and cooperation.

The two sides plan to review existing agreements and design the cooperation program for 2005, in fields such as agriculture, fishing, education, and health.

Omar Cordova, Cuban Ambassador to the Dominican Republic, told Prensa Latina that other topics of mutual interest were analyzed during the preparatory meetings.

Roberto Rivas, director of the Foreign Investment and Economic Collaboration Ministry´s Latin American Department, assured the Dominican side hopes the meeting contributes to relaunching cooperation and strengthening bilateral links.

Cuba´s cooperation with the Dominican Republic includes agriculture, sports, construction, and science and technology, among other sectors. Nearly 400 Dominicans are currently studying in the Island as part of these cooperation agreements.

The joint bilateral commission will meet again next November in Havana.