Miguel Diaz-Canel and Valentina Matvienko

Moscow, November 22 (RHC)-- Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel was received at the headquarters of the Russian Federation Council by its president Valentina Matvienko.

There he took part in the opening of the exhibition "Oh, Havana! Transit...", which contains works by Russian artists on Cuba.

After touring the exhibition, the Speaker of the Russian Upper House explained that the works were in 18 major Russian cities and were appreciated by more than 1.5 million people. The interest shown by the public proves that Cuba is always by our side, she valued.

"In the streets of Havana we witnessed the bonds between our peoples in the face of the defense of the sovereignty and self-determination of both nations. We need events like these to strengthen friendship," he stressed.

For his part, the Cuban president said that whenever he arrives in Moscow he is always surprised with new initiatives, and this time in addition to the intense snow, he takes with him the warmth and affection of the Russians reflected in the exhibition.

"Having captured the images of Havana, and its own colors, can only be explained beyond their professionalism and art, but by the feeling of friendship between the two peoples," the dignitary reaffirmed.

Diaz-Canel ratified the affection Cuba feels for Russia, which he added should be reinforced at the present time when the two countries live under Western sanctions.

The head of state was emphatic in sharing the conviction that "Russia can always count on Cuba".

The exhibition Oh Havana! Transit...is a traveling exhibition that has toured for three years the 18 largest Russian cities, seen by about 1.8 million people and conceived to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the founding of the Cuban capital and the 60th anniversary of relations between the two nations.