Havana, November 22 (RHC)-- Prime Minister of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, Peter Charles Paire O’Neill, arrived in Havana Monday afternoon, on an official visit to our country.

He was welcomed at Havana's José Martí International Airport by Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Rogelio Sierra Díaz.

During his stay, which runs through Wednesday, November 23rd, the distinguished visitor will hold official talks with President Raúl Castro.

The Prime Minister will also visit the Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Center (CIGB) and honor Cuba's national hero at the José Martí Memorial at Havana's Revolution Square.

Peter O'Neill arrived in Havana from Lima, Peru, where he attended the 24th Summit of Leaders of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum, an organization that groups 21 nations working on economic integration.

Papua New Guinea has a population of approximately seven million inhabitants, mostly rural. It is known for its cultural diversity, and is one of the most hetero-geneous countries in the world, with 836 different languages.

Among its principal economic activities are agriculture and the export of oil, gold, and copper. Coffee, cacao, coconut, hardwoods, and palm oil also contribute to the nation's economy.