Havana, September 15 (RHC)-- Cuban First Vice President Miguel Diaz-Canel, member of the Politburo of the Cuban Communist Party, met on Monday in Havana with nearly 100 representatives of religious institutions, fraternal associations and ecumenical organizations of the country.

Diaz-Canel recalled that for several years, exchanges have been taking place and confirmed "the willingness to continue nurturing and maintaining that dialogue among all, also as a basis of the unity of the people and the respect we have for all religions without distinction.” 

The Cuban first vice president said called for reflection, exchanges and the sharing of ideas and projects.  He also noted that this meeting was necessary amid two important moments in the context of the country's life: Cuba-U.S. relations and the upcoming visit of Pope Francis.

Miguel Diaz-Canel addressed the situation of diplomatic relations between Cuba and the United States and presented information about the program of Pope Francis when he arrives in Cuba over the weekend.

The meeting is a continuation of the dialogue that takes place at least once a year between authorities of different levels of the Cuban Communist Party and religious leaders and representatives of fraternal associations, and follows up the exchanges that the first vice president has had with the different religions in Cuba.