Santiago de Cuba, February 6 (RHC)-- The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Sergey Lavrov, arrived Wednesday night in the city of Santiago de Cuba, as part of his tour of Latin American nations.

Upon arrival, he was welcomed at the airport by his Cuban counterpart, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, and the governor, Beatriz Johnson. 

The Russian Foreign Minister paid tribute to National Hero José Martí and Commander in Chief Fidel Castro Ruz, in a ceremony at the Santa Ifigenia cemetery. He later held talks with Rodríguez Parrilla to discuss issues on the bilateral agenda.

"The history of bilateral relations is inextricably linked to the name of Fidel Castro, the inspirer, and creator of the Cuban Revolution, the true leader of the unwavering and firm Cuban people. We deliberately chose this tour to pay tribute to the Commander and to visit the cemetery of Santa Ifigenia, where the remains of other Cuban freedom fighters rest. For many generations of Russians, Fidel remains an example of true dedication to the Homeland and its people," he told the press.

For his part, Bruno Rodriguez thanked Russia for its friendship and cooperation, its role in the maintenance of international peace and the tribute paid to Cuba's heroes.

Russia participates in Cuba's development program until 2030, with multifaceted cooperation in the modernization of the railway structure, the expansion of power plants and medical cooperation, among many other areas.

After his brief stay in Santiago de Cuba, the Russian Foreign Minister left for Mexico, as part of a tour of Latin America that will also take him to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.