Montevideo, March 3 (RHC) -- Cuban President Raul Castro and newly-inaugurated Uruguayan head of state Tabaré Vazquez have met in Montevideo and stressed the excellent level of bilateral relations between their two countries.

Following a meeting on regional issues of mutual interest, the two presidents issued a joint statement affirming that their talks will allow the advancement of a more dynamic bilateral agenda and both agreed to deepen commercial relations between their countries by promoting joint or mutual investments.

The statement, released by the Communications Office of the Uruguayan Presidency, underscored the historic, friendly and supportive bilateral relations between Uruguay and Cuba.

Following the encounter between the two presidents, a meeting with several Uruguayan government officials and the Cuban delegation took place. On the Uruguayan side were Vice President Raul Sendic, Foreign Minister Rodolfo Nin, and the ministers of Social Development, Industry, Energy and Mining, Public Health, Agriculture and Fishing.

The Cuban delegation was made up of government Vice President Ricardo Cabrisas, First Deputy Foreign Minister Marcelino Medina, Health Minister Roberto Morales, acting Foreign Trade and Investment Minister Antonio Caricarte and Ambassador to Uruguay Mercedes Vincente.