Cuban FM Highlights Strength of Relations with Bolivia

Cuban FM Highlights Strength of Relations with Bolivia La Paz, Feb 4. – Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez, who concluded an official visit to Bolivia, highlighted the strength of bilateral links during a meeting with authorities and different social sectors.

During his busy two-day visit to this country, Rodriguez was received at Quemado Palace by President Evo Morales, with whom he discussed bilateral and international issues.

Referring to cooperation with Bolivia, where Cuba provides health and education services, both leaders made special emphasis on future spaces, such as sports, a new area of integration.

Both officials also highlighted the ties of friendship and solidarity that join their peoples and governments, of which Rodriguez' visit to La Paz was a genuine expression.

The Cuban foreign minister and Cuban Foreign Minister David Choquehuanca signed a joint declaration expressing Cubaâ�Ös support for Boliviaâ�Ös leadership in defense of Mother Earth and their united efforts for a more just and inclusive world.

Cuba also supports Boliviaâ�Ös legitimate demand for access to the sea and in defense of coca leaf chewing, as an ancient practice and cultural heritage, Rodriguez said.

The visitor accompanied Morales in attending a celebration of the 12th anniversary of the Bolivarian Revolution of Venezuela, and the opening of the first rehabilitation center providing services to disabled patients free of charge.

Rodriguez, who was accompanied by Maria Elena Ruiz, director of the Latin American department at the Cuban Foreign Ministry, also met with the presidents of the Chamber of Deputies, Hector Arce, and of the Senate, Rene Martinez, with whom he verified the future of legislative actions between both countries.

The meeting with leaders from Cuba solidarity movements was also significant. It condemned Washington's economic, trade and financial blockade, and demanded the release of five Cuban antiterrorist fighters unjustly imprisoned in the United States since 1998 for fighting terrorism.

The Cuban foreign minister's visit comes a little over three months after the 4th Meeting of the Political Consultation Mechanism, held in Havana in October 2010.(Prensa Latina)