HAVANA.—The Cuban government announced yesterday (Thursday) the renewal of official contact with the Spanish ambassador to the island after the tense nature of relations since last year, when the European Union invited "dissidents" to receptions held for their national days, Reuters noted.

However, Spain’s new socialist government has proposed a review of that policy and during the recent Ibero-American Summit in Costa Rica, Cuba took advantage of the occasion to improve its tense relations with the country.

"As a result of the process that has taken place and in particular by the Spanish government and Minister (Miguel) Angel Moratinos, we are reestablishing official contact with the Spanish ambassador in Havana," Cuban Foreign Minister Felipe Pérez Roque informed journalists.

At the request of Spain, representatives from the 25-country bloc recently agreed in Brussels to rethink the practice of inviting "dissidents" to diplomatic receptions celebrating national days.

Carlos Alfonso Zaldivar, Spanish ambassador to Havana, stated shortly after a meeting with the Cuban foreign minister that the restoration of relations "is an issue in progress."