Havana, October 6 (RHC)--Cuban President Raul Castro received Alicia Barcena, the Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Latin American and the Caribbean (ECLAC).

During the meeting held on Thursday, Castro and Barcena discussed the current regional situation, the impact of hurricanes Irma and Maria, as well as the earthquake in Mexico.

ECLAC´s Executive Secretary conveyed to the Cuban leader her appreciation for the support of island’s authorities to the celebration of the 56th meeting of the Presiding Officers of the Regional Conference on Women in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The conference is the main regional discussion forum on gender equality and women’s autonomy. The event, turning 40 years old this year, is commemorating its anniversary in the same place where the first gathering took place in 1977: Havana.

The 2-day meeting being, concluding today at Hotel Nacional de Cuba, is being attended by female ministers and senior authorities from mechanisms for women’s advancement, international officials and representatives of civil society.

The Conference pays homage to Vilma Espín, the first President of the Federation of Cuban Women and President of the First Regional Conference.