Havana, March 24 (RHC) Cuban Parliament President Esteban Lazo ratified on Monday that the island and Mali share strong bonds of friendship and solidarity.

Lazo made his statement during a meeting with Issaka Sidebe, President of the National Assembly of Mali, and he described as dynamic current bilateral relations between the two nations. He also expressed his appreciation for the support received from Mali in the struggle against the unfair economic, financial and commercial blockade imposed by the United States on the Caribbean island.

“This support has not only been expressed in ceremonies, since Mali has raised its voice for Cuba in the summits of the African Union and in the United Nations General Assembly,” Lazo stressed.

The Cuban legislative leader reaffirmed Cuba´s willingness to resume bonds of cooperation in the sectors of health, education, culture and sports, after being interrupted in 2012 following internal security problems in Mali.

Lazo said that in spite of these events, relations between the two countries date back to 1960 and have never been interrupted. He commented that some 400 professionals from Mali have graduated in Cuba, and that at present a group of young students are taking different university courses on the island.

After conveying his country’s greetings to Cuban President Raul Castro, Sidebe expressed his gratitude to the Cuban voluntary workers that offered their services in the African nation.