The day’s agenda includes a review of agreements reached in the National Assembly and its standing committees.

Economic results for 2019 and the proposed Economic Plan for next year will be presented, along with the proposed 2020 State Budget and a report from the Economic Affairs Committee will also be submitted to the deputies for approval.

The reorganization of the Assembly’s standing committees is also on the agenda, in addition to the presentation of the bills on the Organization and Functioning of the National Assembly of People’s Power and the Council of State, as well as Municipal Assemblies and People’s Councils.

The Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Ministers, the Secretary and other members of the Council of Ministers will be approved, taking the country’s institutional framework to a higher level and providing more efficient channels for the executive and administrative management of the country.

The plenary session will also approve the legislative timetable for the implementation of the Constitution of the Republic and will ratify decisions made by the Council of State.

Esteban Lazo Hernández opened the day with a review of the issues debated during the work of the eleven committees, as well as the analysis and approval of the two draft laws that give continuity to the provisions of the new Constitution of the Republic of Cuba.

He also recalled the life’s work of Rebel Army Comandante Faure Chomón Mediavilla, requesting a minute of silence in his honor.

In a friendly climate, the leaders noted the positive progress of bilateral relations and ratified their desire to expand and diversify existing cooperation between the two nations, especially in the areas of health and human resources training. They also discussed topics of interest on the international agenda.

The distinguished visitor was accompanied by Gabonese Minister of State and Foreign Affairs, Pacôme Moubelet-Boubeya, as well as other members of the official delegation.

Representing Cuba were Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, and other officials.

OTHER ACTIVITIES ON THE ISLAND

Previous to his meeting with Raúl, President Ali Bongo Ondimba laid floral wreaths in the capital’s Parque de los Próceres Africanos (African National Heroes Park) and at the José Martí Memorial in the Plaza de la Revolución.

During the act honoring those who represented the ideals of African emancipation, the Gabonese President expressed his gratitude to the Cuban people “not only for the interest shown in Africa and its history, but also for participating in our future. We honor great Africans of whom we are proud.”

“This ceremony,” he added, “has touched me; honor to the Cuban people and government for recognizing that their population is of multiple origin and for paying tribute to the other continents.”

In the context of the recently concluded 29th African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa, the President of the West African nation warned that the AU is currently carrying out a major reform of its institutions in order to “guide our future.”

“We have extensively discussed issues of peace, security and the fight against terrorism,” he told Fernando González, president of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples; Víctor Dreke, president of the Cuba-Africa Friendship Association; and other members of the African diplomatic corps accredited in Havana.

As part of his activities in Cuba, Ali Bongo also visited the headquarters of the Cuban Parliament, in Havana’s Capitolio Nacional.

He was received by the President of the National Assembly of People’s Power, Esteban Lazo Hernández, who explained the inner workings of this body, which currently sessions in Havana’s International Conference Center.

Lazo recalled the historic ties between Cuba and Gabon, a country interested in intensifying trade and economic exchanges with the Caribbean island, according to its president.

This interest was expressed during a binational business forum held on July 7 with the presence of Rodrigo Malmierca, Cuban minister of Foreign Trade and Investment.

(Minrex)

Issues of interest to the two countries were discussed during the meeting.

Also participating on the Cuban side were Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez; Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment; and Josefina Vidal Ferreiro, director general for the United States for the Ministry of Foreign Relations.

Prior to this meeting, the Congressional delegation was received by Ministers Rodríguez Parrilla and Malmierca Díaz, as well as Gustavo Rodríguez Rollero, minister of Agriculture.

(Granma)

In a cordial environment, the two leaders discussed the state of bilateral relations and agreed to continue strengthening the historic ties shared by the two peoples. They likewise addressed issues of regional and international interest.

The distinguished guest was accompanied by Ana María Liliana Sánchez de Díaz and Blanca Magali Silva Velarde-Álvarez, ministers of Foreign Affairs, and Foreign Trade and Tourism, respectively; as well as Hugo E. Jara Facundo, Peruvian ambassador in Cuba.

Participating on the Cuban side were Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla; Antonio Carricarte Corona, interim minister of Foreign Trade; Cira Piñeiro Alonso, interim minister of Education; and Sergio González González, Cuban ambassador in Peru.

(Granma)

The meeting took place within a friendly atmosphere, where the two leaders noted the positive development of bilateral relations and their willingness to strengthen them. They also discussed topics on the international agenda.
Participating on the Cuban side was Bruno Rodríguez Parilla, Minister of Foreign Relations.

(Granma)

On the afternoon of December 16, Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, President of the Councils of State and Ministers, received his Excellency Dr. Jorge Carlos de Almeida Fonseca, President of the Republic of Cape Verde, making an official visit to the country.

During the cordial meeting the two leaders discussed the positive state of bilateral relations – celebrating their 40th anniversary this year – and agreed on the desire to develop them. They likewise addressed various issues on the international agenda.

The distinguished visitor was accompanied by the honorable Dr. António Correia e Silva, minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation; Ambassador of Cape Verde to Cuba, Daniel Oliveira; and Arnaldo  Delgado, diplomatic advisor to the president

Participating on the Cuban side were Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, minister of Foreign Relations; Rodolfo Alarcón Ortiz, minister of Higher Education; and Rogelio Sierra Díaz, deputy minister of Foreign Relations.

(Granma)