"Portugal and Latin America, above all Cuba, have a relationship with a future, because we see this region as one of opportunity, given its growth rates, its youth, and its population's potential," said Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, yesterday October 27, in the University of Havana's Aula Magna, with First Vice President of the Councils of State and Ministers Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez on hand.

Also attending the address, scheduled as part of the President's official visit to Cuba, were students and professors from the institution of higher learning, and its rector, Gustavo Cobreiro Suárez.

Rebelo de Sousa commented that he and his delegation arrived in Cuba full of optimism, looking to reaffirm a relationship based on mutual respect, to the benefit and advantage of both.

"It is impossible to ignore the economic potential that exists in Latin American countries, developing with regional and sub-regional integration initiatives. Latin America is an area of expansion for Portuguese business," he added, recalling that the first Portugal-Cuba business forum had recently taken place in Havana's Hotel Nacional, with the objective of exploring areas of common economic interest.

Rebelo de Sousa likewise highlighted Cuba's victory in the United Nations vote calling for an end to the U.S. blockade of Cuba.

Rector Gustavo Cobreiro, also spoke, describing the Portuguese President's visit as an opportunity to strengthen ties between the two nations and emphasized the solidarity shown by the country's government and people, citing the opening of the José Maria Eça De Queiroz Portuguese Language and Culture department at the University, during Rebelo de Sousa's visit.

Later in the afternoon, the President concluded his visit, with Deputy Foreign Minister Rogelio Sierra accompanying him to José Martí International Airport.