Esteban Lazo addresses the 7th African Continental Meeting
of Solidarity with Cuba, October 7, 2021.

Havana, October 8, (RHC)-- The president of the National Assembly of People's Power (Parliament) of Cuba, Esteban Lazo, stressed on Thursday the need to strengthen cooperation relations with Africa.

Addressing virtually the 7th African Continental Meeting of Solidarity with Cuba, the president of the Council of State also called for closer and more dynamic ties between the legislative bodies of the African countries to exchange information and experiences.

Lazo thanked the participants in the event for supporting the fight against the US economic, commercial and financial blockade against Cuba.

He also pointed out that Cuba has admiration, affection, and respect for that continent 'to which the island is united by deep historic, cultural, solidarity and sisterhood ties.'

The president of the Parliament recalled that over 1.2 million Africans were torn apart from their homelands by slave traders, people who made substantial contributions to the Cuban nationality.

In addition, Lazo underscored the participation of Afro-descendants in Cuba's independence efforts and the honor it meant for the country to have the opportunity to fight against colonialism and racism in Africa during the second half of the 20th century.

'We are certain that we will always be able to count on the solidarity of our African brothers and sisters,' he emphasized.

The Continental Meeting, arranged by the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples, was to be held in Mozambique in November 2021, but due to Covid-19, it will be held online through the Jitsi Meet platform Thursday.

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