The order was presented to Esteban Lazo by the Russian ambassador in Havana, Andrei Guskov,
in a ceremony at the National Capitol.

Havana, May 18 (RHC)-- Esteban Lazo, president of the National Assembly of People's Power (Cuba's Parliament), received on Wednesday the Order of Friendship, a decoration from the Russian Federation.

On its Twitter page, the National Assembly informed about the awarding of that recognition, granted by the president, Vladimir Putin, for his contribution to parliamentary dialogue and friendship between the two countries.

The order was presented to Lazo by the Russian ambassador in Havana, Andrei Guskov, in a ceremony at the National Capitol.

The diplomat described the Cuban leader as an example for the new generations and highlighted his high work capacity in different responsibilities and his commitment to consolidating bilateral relations.

For his part, Lazo said he received this distinction as a special recognition to the Cuban Parliament and people as referents of the efforts to maintain and consolidate ties.

Previously, he held a virtual meeting with Valentina Matvienko, chairwoman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of Russia, which he described as fruitful and an expression of continuity.

He assured that these links are fundamental to boosting cooperation and inter-State relations. He also expressed his hope that the first bilateral inter-parliamentary meeting could be held as soon as conditions permit.