Havana, July 8 (RHC), -- President Raúl Castro, received Ali Bóngo Ondimba, his counterpart from Gabon, who is on an official visit to Cuba, in the Palace of the Revolution.

At the meeting, the leaders confirmed the good progress of bilateral ties, and confirmed the desire to diversify links between the two nations, especially in health and human resource training, as well as discussing issues of interest on the international agenda.

Earlier, the Gabonese head of state paid tribute to the Cuban National Hero, Jose Marti, at the Memorial that bears his name in the Plaza de la Revolución.

He also placed a wreath at the Parque de los Próceres Africanos (Park of African Heroes), in the municipality of Playa, and thanked the Cuban people and government for their solidarity, contribution and assistance to the future of Africa.

During the day, the Gabonese president met with the head of the National Assembly of the People's Power of Cuba, Esteban Lazo, and participated in a binational business forum to intensify trade and economic exchange.