Moscow, May 23 (RHC)-- The Vice President of the Council of Ministers of Cuba and Minister of Economy and Planning, Ricardo Cabrisas Ruiz, held talks on Tuesday in Moscow with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

During the meeting in Moscow, Russia's top diplomat conveyed his sincerest condolences and solidarity on behalf of the Russian Government to Cuba for the plane crash that occurred last Friday in Havana, which left a total of 111 fatalities.

For his part, Cabrisas thanked President Vladimir Putin for being among the first dignitaries to send a message to his counterpart Miguel Diaz-Canel at such a difficult time for the Cuban people.

Both officials also exchanged opinions about the current state of bilateral relations, which they described as 'excellent'.

Cabrisas and Lavrov reaffirmed the determination to expand cooperation between the two countries in the context of international organizations, a sphere in which the Russian Foreign Minister ratified Moscow's opposition to the U.S. sanctions and blockade policy against Cuba for more than 55 years.

During the encounter it was announced that Moscow and Havana have agreed to extend visa-free stays for each other’s nationals from 30 to 90 days.   An agreement to this effect was signed by Lavrov and Cabrisas.  The new simplified visa formalities will be applicable to holders of all passport categories.