Havana, January 16 (RHC) -— Congolese National Defense Minister and Division General Charles Richard Mondjo expressed in Havana his interest in strengthening relations with Cuba, particularly in the military sector.

According to Granma newspaper, the division general was welcomed in an official ceremony and laid a wreath at the monument of Cuban independence hero Antonio Maceo.

The high-ranking Congolese military official underscored the support given by Cuba to the independence and anti-colonialism struggle in Africa. The minister will tour places of historic, cultural and educational interest on the island.

In early December, Congolese President Denis Sassou-Nguesso paid and official visit to Cuba during commemorations for a half a century of the establishment of diplomatic relations between his county and the Caribbean island nation.

Kenyan Government to Open Embassies in Angola and Cuba

Nairobi, January 16 (RHC) -- The Kenyan government on Thursday announced plans to open an embassy in Cuba to help promote relations, Xinhua news agency reported. A statement issued after a Cabinet meeting chaired by President Uhuru Kenyatta in Nairobi noted that the opening of an embassy in Havana will help solidify Kenya’s presence in the region.

“The Cabinet directed that Kenya establishes an embassy in Havana,” the statement said. Cuba has had a resident mission in Kenya since 2001.

Through the Joint Commission, Cuba has expressed its willingness to collaborate with Kenya in various sectors, including education, health, biotechnology, trade and industry, sports, sugar processing, culture, information and communication.