Cuban Parliament President praises relations with South Africa

HAVANA, Cuba, Dec 19 (acn) Esteban Lazo, Cuba's Chairman of the National Assembly of People's Power (ANPP by its Spanish acronym), ratified in this capital the strong and excellent relations of the Caribbean nation with the Government and people of South Africa.

In the exchange with Blade Nzimande, general secretary of the Communist Party and Minister of Education of the African country, Lazo recalled the historical ties of friendship of the Caribbean country with the various nations of that continent.

When referring to the presence of the young delegation accompanying Nzimande , the president of the ANPP emphasized that they are the successors of the independence conquests, so the ideological and political education to future generations is essential.

In these multi crisis times, of economic, energy, food wars and climate change, it is necessary to know the history of our land, and stand firm in defense of the ideas and principles of the Revolution, he said .

Lazo told the South African parliamentarians how emerged the people's governments as well as other mass organizations, including the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution, the Federation of Cuban Women and youth and peasant organizations.

He also explained why there is a single party in Cuba, and insisted that it is not essential the existence of many parties to have more democracy, instead we "all fight together for the common goal towards achieving integration."

In turn, he thanked the Government and people of South Africa by their role in the battle for the return of the Cuban Five to the country, and assured that bilateral cooperation in the sectors of health, education, among other areas, will be maintained.

As part of the program of activities, Salvador Valdes Mesa, vice president of the State Council, received the South African delegation also including Mapaila Solly, deputy secretary of the Communist Party; and Thulas Nxesi, deputy coordinator, among other political leaders.