President's Cuba visit further cements ties

President Mahinda Rajapaksa

President Mahinda Rajapaksa concluded a successfull three day state visit to Cuba further cementing the 53 year old diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Bilateral relations started in 1953 and has expanded in the fields of education, health, sports and agriculture.

The President's visit gave further impetus to Sri Lanka - Cuba ties bringing many benefits to the country.

Sri Lanka has gained many benefits by the President's state visit of Cuba. Talks are being held to further expand Sri Lanka - Cuba economic ties. President Rajapaksa held discussions with his Cuban counterpart Raul Castro and Cuban Vice President Marino Murillo. Both countries agreed to stand by each other and deal mutually and cordially in the international arena.

An MOU was also signed for the promotion of Sri Lanka's coconut industry to implement technical exchange programmes related to the development of the coconut industries of the two countries.

The President also visited a Bio Technology Centre in Cuba to explore the possibility of using Cuban Bio Technology for the development of Sri Lanka's agricultural industry.

The visit by President Rajapaksa to the home of great revolutionary and major figure of the Cuban Revolution Che Guevara in Havana marked a significant feature of the tour. The President held cordial discussions with Che Guevara's widow Aledia, son Camilo and daughter Aledia.

Ministers G.L. Peiris, Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, Wimal Weerawansa, Mahinda Amaraweera, Deputy Minister Nirupama Rajapaksa, MP Sajin Vaas Gubnawardena and Secretary to the President Lalith Weerathunga accompanied the President at the tour.