Havana, June 21 (RHC)-- Cuban Parliament President Esteban Lazo met on Wednesday in Havana with the Vice President of the Chama Cha Mapinduzi Party of Tanzania, Philip Mangula, who is on his third official visit here, aimed at strengthening friendship and cooperation relations.
 
The Cuban Parliament President took the opportunity to thank Tanzania for its support for the UN General Assembly Resolution that calls for an end to the U.S. policy of blockade against the Caribbean state.
 
The top Cuban legislator also spoke of the strong African influence on Cuban traditions and culture, from Afro-Cuban religions to the African slaves, whose descendants fought for Cuba’s independence.

Cuba and Tanzania established diplomatic relations in April 1962.   Bilateral cooperation relations date back to 1965, particularly in the health and education sectors, including the literacy campaign carried out across the African nation.

Under existing cooperation accords, a school of medicine was founded in Zanzibar, from which thousands of doctors and other health professionals have already graduated, in addition to more than 200 others, who have completed their studies in Cuban universities.