Kinshasa -The minister of Youth, Sports and Recreation of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Denis Kambayi, received Cuban Ambassador Marcelo Caballero, to exchange on projects and the potentialities of bilateral cooperation in the field of sports.

Diplomatic sources reported that during the meeting, both officials stated that Cuba and Democratic Congo are two sisters and respectful nations of the values of peace, solidarity and mutual assistance between their peoples.

They reaffirmed their wish to encourage, promote and strengthen bilateral ties in the field of sports and physical education, and noted that there is strong interest in taking the first steps towards lasting cooperation and an effective relationship to materialize projects and needs of the two nations.

Kambayi took the opportunity to express his admiration for Cuba, "a friendly country that has done a lot for the benefit of the Congolese people, particularly in the field of education, with the training in Cuba of about 70 specialists of high professional level."

For his part, Caballero expressed satisfaction with the good state of bilateral ties, reinforced now by the reopening of the DRC Embassy in Havana and the recent accreditation of a new ambassador.

He also referred to the current situation in Cuba, which has become a land for meetings, dialogue and peace, and to the update of its economic model, despite the effect of the economic and financial blockade imposed by the United States for more than five decades.

During the meeting the Cuban diplomat also commented on the expectations ahead with the visit of US President Barack Obama to Cuba in March.