Havana, January 6 (RHC)-- The visiting President of the Socialist and Democratic group at the European Parliament, Giovanni Saverio, met Wednesday with Cuban Minister for Foreign Trade and Investment Rodrigo Malmierca.

Also on Wednesday, the distinguished parliamentarian was scheduled to meet with the head of the Communist Party's International Relations Department, Jose Ramon Balaquer, and tour the Jose Marti Memorial at Havana's revolution Square.

The European parliamentarian met Tuesday with the Vice President of the Cuban Parliament Ana Maria Mari Machado. The two lawmakers reviewed the state of relations between the European and the Cuban Parliaments, which they agreed have been damaged by the so-called EU common stance on Cuba, adopted in 1996.

Saverio proposed a meeting between Cuban Parliament President Esteban Lazo and representatives of the European Parliament to boost bilateral exchanges.

The visiting president of the Socialist and Democratic group at the European Parliament is also scheduled to meet on Thursday with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez.

Saverio is accompanied by a large delegation, made of up members of his parliamentary group. Before concluding his visit, he will give a press conference at the Havana-based European Union headquarters.