Parma, March 9 (RHC)-- The 12th Congress of the Italy-Cuba Friendship Association began sessions in Parma with the attendance of 120 delegates, representing more than 3 thousand 500 activists grouped in 68 Solidarity with Cuba organizations across Italy.

During the three-day event, delegates will review the work of the past four years, and will seek consensus on a plan of action to strengthen the solidarity work.

 A Cuban delegation is participating as guests, headed by the deputy president of the Cuban Friendship Institute (ICAP) Elio Gámez.

In statements to Prensa Latina news agency, Marco Papacci, vice chair of the Italy-Cuba Friendship Association, said the congress takes place at a crucial time, when Cuba friends around the world must close ranks to defend the Caribbean state against stepped up hostility by the Trump administration in the U.S.