Presided by Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, first secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba and President of the Councils of State and Ministers, the 7th Party Congress began this morning, April 16, in Havana’s Convention Center.

During the inaugural session participants will commemorate the 55th anniversary of the proclamation of the socialist character of the Revolution, an event which was fundamental to the Cuban people’s irrevocable decision to build their own future.

Participating in this edition of the Congress, which will continue through April 19, are 1,000 delegates and approximately 280 invited guests. Scheduled to be presented today are the Central Report, speech by Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, as well as presentations by four work commissions.

The four commissions will analyze current and future issues affecting the country this evening. Topics include: the conceptualization of the Cuban socio-economic model, 2030 national development plan, results of the implementation of Policy Guidelines approved during the 6th Party Congress, and progress made toward meeting the objectives agreed upon by the First Party Conference.