Havana - The Prime Minister of East Timor, Rui Maria de Araujo, is paying an official visit to Cuba on Friday, during which he will hold talks with President Raul Castro and will carry out other activities on his agenda.

A medical doctor, Rui Maria de Arajo has served as health minister and Assistant Prime Minister for Social Affairs. He took office as prime minister of East Timor in February 2015.

The distinguished visitor will pay homage to Cuban National Hero Jose Marti before meeting with the Cuban head of state, according to his official agenda, which also includes a visit to the Institute of Basic and Pre-clinic Sciences in Havana as well as University of Physical Education and Sports.

Rui Maria de Araujo is also scheduled to meet with Cuban Parliament President Esteban Lazo.

Cuba and East Timor established diplomatic relations on May 20, 2002 and at present both countries maintain excellent links. Bilateral cooperation relations have favored the fields of health, education and sports.

At present, 137 Cuban workers are offering their services in that Asian nation under the Integral Health Program, while 847 students from East Timor have graduated in Cuba, with 842 of them as medical doctors, since the cooperation program in education started in 2005.

East Timor has voted at the United Nations in favor of the Cuban resolution demanding the lifting of the U.S. economic, commercial and financial blockade of Cuba.