Cuban Vice-president says visit to South Africa was very satisfactory

HAVANA, Cuba, Jun 16 (acn) Cuban vice-president Salvador Valdes Mesa described as very satisfactory his visit to South Africa, where he held bilateral meetings in an open and frank atmosphere.

Valdes said that Cuba and South Africa share deep understanding as to multilateral and political relations with prospects for strengthening bilateral cooperation. They offered a warm welcome with a gesture of appreciation for Cuba´s support of the African cause, particularly by the South Africans, said Valdes who is also member of the Political Bureau of Cuba´s Communist Party.

As to the recent African Union Summit, he said expectations were met and we had the exceptional opportunity to take the floor to convey the message of Cuba. You feel deeply moved when they recall the participation of Cubans in the African liberation movement, Valdes pointed out.

At present the African continent counts on the youngest population and rich natural resources, good lands and abundant water, as well as valuable mines, however, it is still to develop, which is a point to be high on the African agenda, he noted.

The Cuban vice-president arrived on official visit to South Africa on June 12 heading his country´s delegation to the continental forum. He met with leaders of the South African Communist Party (SACP), the African National Congress (ANC) and the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU).