Havana, September 19 (RHC) –- Cuban President Raul Castro held talks on Thursday with Panamanian Vice President and Foreign Minister Isabel de Saint Malo, who paid a one-day visit to the island.

Raul Castro and Isabel de Saint Malo addressed regional and international issues. The Panamanian vice president expressed her government's interest in developing bilateral relations and having Cuba at the upcoming 7th Summit of the Americas, to take place next year in Panama. The invitation was welcomed by the Cuban President.

The top Panamanian official was accompanied by ambassador and advisor to the presidency Gina Latoni, while Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez also attended the meeting.

During her visit to Havana, the Panamanian vice president toured the Solidarity-with-Panama Special School where she pointed to the long-standing relations between Cuba and Panama by saying that “we are two nations that have always shared brotherhood and friendship.”

She also congratulated the teachers and directors at the school and said their work is marvelous. While referring to the Summit of the Americas to be hosted next year by Panama, the vice president said that invitations to the regional event will be sent out by the end of this year and that Cuba will be invited along with the rest of the countries of this part of the world.

The Panamanian vice president also held talks with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez in a meeting where she expressed her government’s willingness to boost bilateral relations with Cuba in all fields.

For his part, Bruno Rodriguez expressed his appreciation for all that the government of Panama is doing for Latin American integration.