The European Union and Cuba today signed a deal to normalise ties that had been blocked for decades by human rights concerns under revolutionary icon Fidel Castro. <br/><br/>Cuba was the only Latin American country not to have a dialogue and cooperation deal with the 28-nation EU covering issues such as trade, human rights and migration. But EU Ministers last week dropped a policy in place since 1996 which stated that Cuba first had to improve its human rights record before getting closer links with the bloc. <br/><br/>Today's accord was signed by Cuban foreign minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini and representatives from the EU member states at a Brussels ceremony capping years of difficult negotiations.<br/><br/>Meanwhile, Mogherini offered condolences on Castro's death. <br/>Mogherini said she was also very encouraged by dialogue with Havana on human rights and the accord would help foster Cuba's social and political modernisation.<br/>