The European Union has offered hurricane aid to Cuba at the first talks between officials since the bloc imposed diplomatic sanctions against the island in 2003.

The talks were held between Cuba's Foreign Minister Felipe Perez Roque, French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner, and Louis Michel, European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid.

"The European Union confirms its availability to bring post-disaster aid to Cuba, and more generally to restart a co-operation with the country," the French Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The establishment of formal dialogue, along with the elimination of the EU sanctions against the Caribbean island in June, is seen as an improvement in the relations between the 27-nation bloc and Cuba.

Meanwhile, Spain's Foreign Minister, Miguel Angel Moratinos announced that Spain would donate 24.5 million euros to Cuba to help with the reconstruction of the island following the recent devastating hurricanes.

In addition, Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero has accepted an invitation to visit Cuba next year and could become the first western European leader to travel to the communist-run island in nearly a decade.

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