The Algerian leader commented on the two countries’ close friendship and extended warm words to the leader of the Cuban Revolution, on behalf of his government and in particular the people of this sister nation.

Together with the distinguished visitor, Fidel recalled moments from his past encounters with President Bouteflika, an unconditional and loyal friend of Cuba, to whom he sent fraternal greetings. He also commented on Cuba’s internationalist collaboration with various African countries, in particular Algeria, and emphasized the challenges facing the international community in order to safeguard peace and ensure food security and the existence of the human species.

Fidel told the Algerian Prime Minister that the unforgettable Chávez and Bouteflika will always be leaders of two revolutionary countries – one in Latin America and the other in Africa – which have offered the most support to the Cuban Revolution, subjected to a perverse over 50-year blockade.

He highlighted that Venezuela and Algeria ceased to be instruments of imperialism, intent on plundering our countries. Our peoples’ revolutionary resolve will grow. Nothing or no one will be able to defeat them, he commented.

(Granma)

In a fraternal atmosphere, both leaders highlighted the excellent state of bilateral relations and ratified the willingness of their respective governments to continue strengthening the historic ties of friendship and solidarity which unite the two countries. They also discussed key issues on the international agenda.

The distinguished visitor as accompanied by the honorable Ramtane Lamamra, minister of State and minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; Minister for Health, Population and Hospital Reform Abdelmalek Boudiaf; and M’hmed Achache, Algerian ambassador to Cuba.

Participating on the Cuban side were Ricardo Cabrisas Ruiz, a Council of Ministers vice president and minister of Economy and Planning; as well as Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, Roberto Morales Ojeda, and Rodrigo Malmierca Díaz, ministers of Foreign Relations, Public Heath, and Foreign Trade and Investment, respectively.

(Granma)

Our ties have been forged throughout history, since the beginning of the Cuban Revolution, stated Lazo, who also noted that Comandante en Jefe, Fidel Castro, Army General Raúl Castro, and Algeria’s most senior leaders, have been key to the construction of this fraternal relationship.

In regards to the excellent ties of friendship, solidarity and cooperation between the two countries, the President of the Cuban parliament highlighted that the island’s first international medical mission was sent to Algeria, representing the “start of a history of cooperation which has taken us to over 100 nations.”

On behalf of Cuba’s members of parliament, Lazo thanked the North African country for its support and accompaniment offered the Cuban people in their major struggles. In particular, he noted Algeria’s support for the resolution presented by Cuba in the United Nations condemning the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States on the island.

He also noted that this visit will contribute toward strengthening the excellent bilateral ties – based on mutual respect – between the two governments and parliaments, as well as expanding cooperation in strategic sectors such as public health, the pharmaceutical industry, biotechnology, agriculture and sport, among others.

Lazo outlined the principle tasks currently being undertaken by the ANPP, including checks and balances regarding the implementation of the Economic and Social Policy Guidelines of the Party and Revolution and the perfecting of the People’s Power system.

Meanwhile, Algerian Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal, expressed thanks for the warm welcome, noting that he felt honored to be visiting his comrades and brothers in arms.

The greatest figures of the Algerian Revolution have visited Cuba, noted the official, adding that citizens of his country feel a great respect and friendship toward the Cuban people.

“The Cuban and Algerian revolutions have the same objectives. If in the past it was the struggle for liberation that brought us together, today we are united in the fight for progress,” stated Sellal.

Abdelmalek Sellal arrived in Havana on the afternoon of October 12, to strengthen and expand the strong bilateral relations and ties of friendship which unite Cuba and Algeria.

“I bring greetings from the people of Algeria for the Cuban people,” stated the Prime Minister on arrival to the island, where he was received by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abelardo Moreno, and Marcia Cobas, deputy minister of Public Health.

“I wish to convey a warm greeting on behalf of the President of my country, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, to the President of the Councils of State and Ministers of Cuba, Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, and to the leader of the Revolution, Fidel Castro Ruz,” he stated.

In addition to other official activities the Algerian delegation, which includes the country’s Foreign Minister, Ramtane Lamamra, and Minister of Health,Abdelmalek Boudiaf, will visit sites linked to the biotechnology industry, as well as the Museum of the Revolution.

The Prime Minister will also hold official talks with the Cuban President, Army General Raúl Castro Ruz.

(Granma)

During his stay, the Algerian dignitary will hold official talks with Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, President of the Councils of State and Ministers, and undertake other activities.

(Granma)

The delegation accompanying the Cuban president is made up of Council of Ministers Vice President Ricardo Cabrisas Ruiz, and Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla.

The other members of the delegation are Army Corps General Leopoldo Cintra Frias, minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces, and Cuban Ambassador to Algeria Raul Barzaga.

(Prensa Latina)