Havana, December 18 (Web Network) -- The First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and President of the Republic, Miguel Díaz-Canel received on Monday Reverend Jerry Pillay, general secretary of the World Council of Churches.

During the meeting, which took place at the Convention Palace in Havana, where Cuban deputies are meeting these days, the president thanked for this visit "that gives us strength, gives us energy".

Díaz-Canel said it was a pleasure to meet again with Reverend Pillay, and recalled their most recent meeting in New York, last September.

"For us," he said, "this visit is an expression of all your support and sensitivity towards the Cuban people.

For his part, the general secretary of the World Council of Churches said that it was a joy and a privilege for him to meet with the Cuban dignitary.

"We have been treated wonderfully well here," the visitor commented.

He reiterated the support of the World Council of Churches for Cuba's struggle against the economic, commercial and financial blockade of the United States, and the rejection of the inclusion of the island in the list of countries that allegedly sponsor terrorism.

"What we have seen in Cuba confirms what we believe and what we do not believe," emphasized Rev. Pillay.