CUBA-COLOMBIA

With a gala at the Heredia Theater, the 33rd International Caribbean Festival begins in Santiago de Cuba, an event uninterruptedly held for nearly 35 years as a meeting point among the cultures of the peoples of the region.»

Peace talks between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia-People’s Army (FARC-EP) took their second recess today, since beginning negotiations in this capital last week.»

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos expressed his gratitude towards Cuba’s support for the realization of the peace talks agreed with the rebels of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia-Army of the People (FARC-EP).»

Ricardo Alarcon, president of the National Assembly of the People’s Power (Parliament) met on Thursday with his Colombian counterpart, Juan Manuel Corzo, at the end of his three-day official visit.»

Cuba Thursday considered unacceptable and unjustifiable the US position of excluding Cuba from the next Summit of the Americas, stance in tune with the traditional hostility of the White House against the Caribbean country.»

Cuban President Raul Castro received his Colombian counterpart Juan Manuel Santos, who came on a brief working visit to Cuba on Wednesday. The talks were also attended by foreign ministers Maria Angela Holguin and Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla.»

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos is on a working visit to Cuba to meet with his Cuban peer, Raul Castro, and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. Santos, 60, will talk separately with Raul Castro and Chavez, who is in Havana recovering from surgery.»

Cuban President  received Colombian Foreign Minister Maria Angela Holguin, who is on an official visit to Cuba. The distinguished visitor  said that her visit shows her country’s willingness to strengthen and improve bilateral relations.»

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, and Colombia’s Maria Angela Holguin, agreed on Wednesday here to commit to increase the potential of bilateral ties in several sectors.»