The president of the National Assembly of People’s Power (ANPP, parliament) of Cuba, Esteban Lazo, will hold a meeting here today with his Surinamese counterpart, Marinus Bee, at the National Capitol.

The head of the Surinamese Parliament arrived in Cuba the day before on an official visit, on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, to be celebrated tomorrow.

According to information from the ANPP, during his stay in the Caribbean country, at the head of a delegation from the South American nation, the distinguished visitor will hold talks with authorities and visit places of historical and cultural interest, among other activities.

In statements to the press, he pointed out that this is his second visit to Cuba and the main objective is to «strengthen cooperation between the two nations, in the face of the common challenges we face as Caribbean countries», the source said.

At the same time, he reiterated his support for the Caribbean nation in its struggle for the lifting of the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the US government for more than six decades and his unwavering support in the face of this criminal policy.

«Suriname and Cuba can work together, with solidarity and cooperation, in the face of common challenges,» said Marinus Bee.

The delegation of the National Assembly of Suriname is also composed of legislators Asiskumar Gajadien and Melvin Bouva, as well as the secretary general of the legislative body, Ruth De Windt, among other officials.

Upon his arrival at Havana’s «José Martí» international airport, Bee was received by the vice-president of the ANPP, Ana María Mari Machado.

Also present at the reception at the air terminal were Zailin Gaulhiac, an official from the International Relations Department of the Cuban Parliament, and the Surinamese Ambassador to Havana, Wendy Manushka Paulus-Aminta.

Cuba and Suriname established diplomatic relations on 31 May 1979, which have been based for more than four decades on solidarity and bilateral cooperation.