Havana, Cuba - Army General Raul Castro, President of the councils of State and Ministers, met on Tuesday with Serguei V. Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, who is in Cuba on a work visit.

During the fraternal meeting, they highlighted the excellent state of bilateral relations and ratified their willingness to work together in the effective implementation of the bilateral economic agenda and to deepen exchanges in spheres of common interest.

Raul expressed his appreciation for the support of Russia in the fair demand of putting an end to the economic, commercial and financial blockade against Cuba. In addition, he reiterated Cuba’s opposition to the unilateral sanctions imposed by the United States and its NATO allies against Russia.

Accompanying the distinguished visitor were Mikhail L. Kamynin, ambassador of the Russian Federation to Havana, and Alexander V. Schetinin, director for Latin America of the Foreign Ministry. Also present for Cuba at the meeting were Bruno Rodriguez and Rogelio Sierra, minister and vice-minister of Foreign Relations, respectively.

Previously, Lavrov met with Ricardo Cabrisas, Vice-president of the Councils of Ministers, and with FM Rodriguez.