Havana - Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov begins an official visit to Cuba today as part of his tour of Latin America and with the purpose of strengthening bilateral ties.

During his two-day stay at the Caribbean island, Lavrov will honor National Hero José Martí and hold official talks with his Cuban counterpart, Bruno Rodríguez, as reflected in the program of activities.

The head of Russian diplomacy will evaluate together with Rodriguez the evolution of the agreements sealed last November between presidents Vladimir Putin (Russia) and Miguel Díaz-Canel (Cuba), said the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He will also visit the National Capitol.

Lavrov's tour includes tours in Brazil and Suriname.

Cuba and Russia have a high coincidence in the vision towards different topics of the international agenda, the defense of peace and the role of international institutions, highlights an official press release.

The Caribbean government has an effective participation of Russian companies in the Economic Development Plans until 2030 and attaches special importance to joint projects in sectors such as energy, transport, industry and biotechnology.

Havana also appreciates the firm position of Moscow in its fight to end the economic, financial and commercial blockade imposed by the United States.

In turn, Cuba opposes any policy applying sanctions and particularly those adopted against the Russian people and government.

The largest of the Antilles established diplomatic relations in 1942 with the then Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, which were then interrupted in 1952 until the revolutionary government reestablished ties on May 8, 1960.