Tokyo - Cuba''s First Vice President, Miguel Diaz-Canel, was received in Tokyo today by Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe.

Both leaders have agreed to strengthen and expand bilateral relations in the political, commercial and economic spheres.

During an official visit to Japan from May 31st to June 3rd, accompanied by Deputy Foreign Minister, Rogelio Sierra, and the Cuban ambassador to Japan, Marcos Rodriguez, Diaz-Canel expressed gratitude for the possibility of meeting the Japanese President and conveyed a greeting from Cuban President, Raul Castro.

Castro has confirmed his invitation to the Japanese President to visit the Caribbean island as soon as his agenda allows it.

Diaz-Canel recognized the traditional support of the Japanese government against the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States on the Caribbean island for more than 50 years.

New conditions and opportunities available to increase the presence of Japanese businesses in Cuba were assessed during the meeting.

Abe stressed the role of the Japan-Cuba Friendship Parliamentary League in the diversification and promotion of bilateral ties and agreed on the importance of increasing Japanese investment in Cuba.