Havana, October 1 (RHC)- The President of the People's Democratic Republic of Laos Choummaly Sayasone began Thursday an official visit to Cuba, aimed at expanding and strengthening friendship and cooperation ties between the two countries.

During his stay, Sayasone, who is also the General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, will have a packed agenda that includes official talks with his Cuban counterpart, President Raúl Castro.

Cuba and the People's Democratic Republic of Laos established diplomatic relations on November 4, 1974. The Asian country has always supported Cuba's cause against the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed and maintained by the United States on the Caribbean state for over half a century.