Also attending the address, scheduled as part of the President’s official visit to Cuba, were students and professors from the institution of higher learning, and its rector, Gustavo Cobreiro Suárez.

Rebelo de Sousa commented that he and his delegation arrived in Cuba full of optimism, looking to reaffirm a relationship based on mutual respect, to the benefit and advantage of both.

“It is impossible to ignore the economic potential that exists in Latin American countries, developing with regional and sub-regional integration initiatives. Latin America is an area of expansion for Portuguese business,” he added, recalling that the first Portugal-Cuba business forum had recently taken place in Havana’s Hotel Nacional, with the objective of exploring areas of common economic interest.

Rebelo de Sousa likewise highlighted Cuba’s victory in the United Nations vote calling for an end to the U.S. blockade of Cuba.

Rector Gustavo Cobreiro, also spoke, describing the Portuguese President’s visit as an opportunity to strengthen ties between the two nations and emphasized the solidarity shown by the country’s government and people, citing the opening of the José Maria Eça De Queiroz Portuguese Language and Culture department at the University, during Rebelo de Sousa’s visit.

Later in the afternoon, the President concluded his visit, with Deputy Foreign Minister Rogelio Sierra accompanying him to José Martí International Airport.

Fidel and the Portuguese President discussed various topics on the international agenda, as well as the ties of friendship which unite the two countries: the backdrop against which the European leader’s visit to Cuba is taking place.

Rebelo de Sousa mentioned the results of the United Nations vote, held the same day, in favor of an end to the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States on Cuba, highlighting that his country condemns this globally rejected extraterritorial policy.

Meanwhile, compañero Fidel thanked Rebelo de Sousa for the support his nation has shown Cuba, emphasizing that the people of the island will never forget the incalculable human and economic losses caused by the blockade. He also reiterated the brutal and inhumane character of the policy rejected by both the Cuban people and the world.

(Granma)

In a cordial atmosphere, the leaders discussed the good state of bilateral relations, which they agreed to expand, in addition to economic, trade, investment, and cooperation ties. They also addressed other issues on the international agenda.

The distinguished visitor was accompanied by the honorable Luis Faro, Portuguese ambassador to Cuba; Teresa Ribeiro, secretary of state for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation; as well as other official delegation members.

Participating on the Cuban side were Ricardo Cabrisas Ruiz, a Council of Ministers vice president and minister of Economy and Planning; Rodrigo Malmierca Díaz, minister of Foreign Trade and Investment; as well as, Marcelino Medina González and Rogelio Sierra Díaz, interim and deputy ministers of Foreign Relations, respectively.

(Granma)