Havana - The president of Bolivia, Evo Morales, ends today the official visit that began the eve to Cuba in order to expand the links between both nations.

In Friday´s program, Morales was received in the Palace of the Revolution by its Cuban peer, Raul Castro, who bestowed on him the Order Jose Marti, the highest award given by the Council of State of the island.

Upon receiving the medal, the leader of Movimiento al Socialismo recognized the aid given by the government and the Cuban people to other countries and, specially, to Bolivia, despite the difficulties caused by the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States on the Caribbean island for more than half a century.

"Cuba for the Bolivian people is an inspiration of independence struggle, example of unity, antimperialist stand. For me, Cuba is a model of socialism, of a solidarious country that offers its unselfish services to develop health care and education of many countries of the world", he said.

Morales and the host dignitary reviewed the present state of bilateral relations and valued options aimed at strengthening cooperation between both nations.

Before his meeting with Raul Castro, Morales laid a flower wreath to the National Hero of Cuba, José Martí, in the square of the same name.

There he wrote in the visitors´ book: "Thanks to our Hero Jose Marti. Thanks to Marti´s rebellion now we have a revolution.Thanks to Cuba and its leaders Fidel-Raul and to the people of Cuba".

As part of his activities here, Morales held talks with the Cuban head of State, participated in the signing of a framework agreement of cooperation between both nations which was rubricated by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Investments, Rodrigo Malmierca and the Foreign Minister of Bolivia, David Choquehuanca.

The agreement is meant to promote and develop programs that favor collaboration between both nations, as part of the South-South cooperation in areas of health, education and culture.