Raul Castro Meets Haitian President

Havana, Nov 17. -President Raul Castro received his Haitian peer Michel Martelly in this capital, where they talked of bilateral links and the international situation.During the meeting, the two statesmen reviewed the cooperation existing between both countries, highlighting the Havana support in social issues, mainly health and education.

Cuban Vice President Esteban Lazo, Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez and Haitian Minister of Foreign Affairs Laurent Lamothe also attended the meeting.

Martelly, who is on an official visit, paid tribute to the Cuban national hero Jose Marti at the memorial that bears his name at the Havana's Revolution Square.

On Tuesday, shortly after his arrival to the Jose Marti International Airport, Martelly thanked the Cuban solidarity with his country.

"We are very pleased with the presence in my country of Cuban physicians and professionals," the visitor noted.

Since 1998, Havana is collaborating in areas like health with Haiti, a Caribbean nation hit by recent tragedies, such as the January 2010 earthquake and an outbreak of cholera at the end of that year.

Cooperation also highlights on education matter, with more than 400 Haitian scholarship holders, who are currently taking studies in this country.

Cuba and Haiti established diplomatic relations in February 1904. (Prensa Latina)