Havana, September 9 (RHC)-- Cuba and Syria both reaffirmed their commitment to continue strengthening the bilateral solidarity, friendship and cooperation ties that were established 50 years ago by Cuban Revolution leader Fidel Castro and then Syrian President Hafiz al-Assad.

During a ceremony here in Havana to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, those present condemned the brutal aggression the Syrian people have been suffering since March 2011, as well as Washington's long-standing blockade policy towards Cuba.

The ceremony on occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Cuba and Syria was held Tuesday at the Cuban Arab Association. On hand were Cuban government and Communist Party officials, representatives of the Syrian diplomatic mission and members of the diplomatic corps accredited to Cuba, as well as young Syrians who are studying here in Cuba as part of cooperation programs between our two countries.