The delegation, headed by the First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gerardo Peñalver, analyzed with teachers and students the possibility of expanding opportunities for cultural and intellectual exchange between the United States and the Caribbean country.

The vice president welcomed the possibility of extending this union in the face of the hostile policy of the United States Government against the small Caribbean nation.

Changes like this, he said, help to get to know the island and break prejudices despite the political tensions that try to slow down relationships as individuals, academics and professionals.

“We want to build bridges between Cuban and American universities,” he added, recognizing the possibility of improving ties between both nations.

Rutgers Law School students, led by Professor Charles Auffant, have studied in Cuba as part of a two-credit seminar exploring the historical development of Cuba’s legal system, according to the law houses’ high studies website.

The exchange is organized by the National Union of Cuban Jurists and coordinated with professors from the University of Havana and practicing lawyers.

Our knowledge and friendship with the Cuban people has grown, Auffant said in this regard.

For her part, Sherri-Ann Butterfield, also a professor at Rutgers, recognized the interest in strengthening those ties and expanding the relationship.

Administrators and faculty would like to provide opportunities for others at the center, especially graduate students, to travel to Cuba and learn more about its art, culture, economy, scientific research and health system, she added.

Yuri Gala, alternate permanent ambassador of Cuba to the UN, and Osvaldo Rodríguez, first secretary of the Mission to the organization, also participated in the meeting. The university center, founded in 1766 and considered the eighth oldest in the United States, was represented by deans, professors and students from all the schools of said academic institution.

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