Havana, January 24 (RHC-ACN)-- Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez highlighted on Wednesday in Santiago de Chile the strategic role of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) toward achieving regional consensus.

The top Cuban diplomat participated in the 2nd Ministerial Meeting of the Celac-China Cooperation Forum, held January 22nd in the Chilean capital. In statements to the press, he described the meeting as "very useful and beneficial, despite existing differences," Prensa Latina News Agency reported.

The Cuban foreign minister said that one of the advantages of CELAC is its support for regional unity and economic and political integration, in a constructive spirit based on solidarity, dialogue and cooperation.

Regarding CELAC's next pro tempore presidency, Minister Rodriguez explained that there were tangible progress. He further said that until an arrangement is reached, El Salvador will retain the group's rotating presidency.

He explained also that member states agreed to hold a CELAC Summit in the coming months, as well as a ministerial meeting with the European Union toward advancing the bilateral agenda.