Roma, June 23 (RHC)-- Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez met Friday in Rome with Italian President Sergio Mattarella.  Friday's meeting was the last activity on Bruno's official agenda in the European country.

From Italy, Bruno is set to travel to the Vatican, where he will be received by Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolín and the Vatican's Secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, among other ecclesiastical authorities.

On Thursday, the top Cuban diplomat held separate meetings with Laura Boldrini, President of the Italian House of Deputies, and Pietro Grasso, President of the Senate. During those exchanges, the top Cuban diplomat thanked the Italian legislature for its initiatives in support of the Cuban cause against Washington's nearly six decade-old blockade policy.

Italy is one of Cuba's main economic partners. Areas of cooperation include tourism, agribusiness, biotechnology and renewable energy, among others.  

In statements to the press following the meeting, Bruno Rodriguez said Cuban ties with Rome have a special significance. He said relations are based on deep historical and cultural grounds, adding that in Cuba there is 'great affection for Italy and for Italians.'