Manuel Marrero Cruz, member of the Political Bureau and Prime Minister, described yesterday’s meeting with President Denis Sassou Nguesso as a meeting «between brothers, between families», to whom he conveyed «all the love and affection that the people of Cuba feel for the Congo».

After the exchange, the Cuban Head of Government said he conveyed greetings from Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, leader of the Cuban Revolution, and Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party and President of the Republic.

He also thanked Sassou Nguesso «for the support you have given us throughout history», and expressed his satisfaction for «more than 60 years of close relations», during which «Cuba has contributed to the training of more than 3,000 young Congolese in various sectors, especially in public health».

Regarding the conversation with the Congolese President, he said that much was said about the history that unites the two peoples, about when the President met Cuban leaders, his meetings with Fidel and Raúl, and he thanked Cuba for all its support in the independence struggles.

The two leaders discussed the Congo’s support for the island in international forums, and the vote always in favour of our country.

«We were grateful for the firm, courageous and brotherly stance that the President has always shown towards our country. Moreover, we agree that, in these difficult and complex times, the most important thing is to consolidate unity between our nations,» he stressed.

Marrero Cruz assured that the objectives of the visit had been fulfilled, in order to raise economic and commercial relations to the same level as political relations, based on history, culture, friendship and permanent solidarity.

He stressed that this official visit is «historic, very exciting, because it has been a reunion between two governments, between two brotherly countries».

Among the main results, it was agreed to update all the potential for cooperation, to strengthen collaboration in public health, technology, science and innovation, human resources training, tourism development, culture, the hydrocarbon sector and other economic and social spheres.

The meeting ended with an embrace, accompanied by a phrase that recalls Cuba’s decisive participation in the deeds of Africa: «the struggle continues, victory is certain».