The two countries have pledged to strengthen cooperation in cracking down on crimes and also discussed ways to deepen cooperation in this field during a meeting between Cuba's Interior Minister Abelardo Colome Ibarra and Alexander I. Bastrykin, president of the Committee of Investigations of Russia, the official daily Granma said.

　　Bastrykin expressed the hope to deepen the bilateral relations between Russia and Cuba and make joint efforts in fighting crimes, the report said.

　　The daily noted that Bastrykin's trip to the island coincides with the announcement that the Cuban authorities are preparing a new law on police services and functions.