(KPL) In response to the invitation of Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh, Prime Minister of the Republic of Cuba Manuel Marrero Cruz is paying an official visit to Laos from Oct 2-4.

The Cuban premier’s visit aims to strengthen and enhance the long-standing fraternal friendship and cooperation between Laos and Cuba, their respective Parties, governments and peoples.

At a bilateral meeting, held right after a welcome ceremony in honour of the visiting Cuban leader on Sunday’s afternoon, Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh expressed his appreciation upon his Cuban counterpart’s visit noting that the visit is a new landmark in continuing to strengthen and enhance the longstanding fraternal friendship and cooperation between Laos and Cuba.

Both leaders agreed to deepen their relations and cooperation between Laos and Cuba and reaffirmed their commitment to continuing to enhance cooperation in various fields, including economy and trade.

They noted that the bilateral relations and cooperation have been developed constantly by regular exchange of visits and meetings between senior leaders of the two countries since the establishment of their diplomatic relations on November 4, 1974.

Both sides also informed each other about socio-economic achievements in their respective countries and exchanged points of view on regional and international issues of common interest.

On this occasion, Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh expressed on behalf of the Party, government and people of Laos gratitude to the Cuban government for its priceless assistance including scholarships for human resource development, technical assistance, and training for Lao boxing coaches.

Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh and his counterpart Manuel Marrero Cruz also witnessed the signing of agreements between the two countries on education and sports, agriculture, and health.

KPL