Santa Cruz, June 16 (RHC) -– Cuban President Raul Castro met with several heads of state on the sidelines of the G-77 Summit in Bolivia yesterday.

During talks with Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapapksa, the Cuban leader reiterated the island’s continuous support to Sri Lanka at international forums. “Fidel wants me to convey his regards to all friends of Cuba. And you are one of our friends,” he added.

The Cuban president also met with Iran's First Vice President Es’haq Jahangiri, who pointed to Tehran and Havana’s common approach towards countering the tyranny and excessive demands of the big powers, adding: “Iran and Cuba are on the same front in the fight against bullying [states] and can have constructive bilateral cooperation.”

For his part, the Cuban president described the Islamic Republic as a great and influential country, saying Havana is willing to broaden reciprocal relations with Tehran.

Later on Sunday, Raul Castro held two separate meetings with the presidents of Argentina and Venezuela, Cristina Fernández and Nicolas Maduro, respectively, as well as with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.