Cuban Leader Highlights Friendship Links with Algeria

The President of the National Assembly of People’s Power (ANPP) Esteban Lazo Hernández, praised the friendship between Cuba and Algeria upon receiving the Prime Minister of that African Republic, Abdelmalek Sellal

Cuba and Algeria are united by ties of friendship and solidarity, stated the President of the island’s National Assembly of People’s Power (ANPP) Esteban Lazo Hernández, upon receiving Abdelmalek Sellal, prime minister of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, making an official visit to Cuba.

Our ties have been forged throughout history, since the beginning of the Cuban Revolution, stated Lazo, who also noted that Comandante en Jefe, Fidel Castro, Army General Raúl Castro, and Algeria’s most senior leaders, have been key to the construction of this fraternal relationship.

In regards to the excellent ties of friendship, solidarity and cooperation between the two countries, the President of the Cuban parliament highlighted that the island’s first international medical mission was sent to Algeria, representing the “start of a history of cooperation which has taken us to over 100 nations.”

On behalf of Cuba’s members of parliament, Lazo thanked the North African country for its support and accompaniment offered the Cuban people in their major struggles. In particular, he noted Algeria’s support for the resolution presented by Cuba in the United Nations condemning the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States on the island.

He also noted that this visit will contribute toward strengthening the excellent bilateral ties – based on mutual respect – between the two governments and parliaments, as well as expanding cooperation in strategic sectors such as public health, the pharmaceutical industry, biotechnology, agriculture and sport, among others.

Lazo outlined the principle tasks currently being undertaken by the ANPP, including checks and balances regarding the implementation of the Economic and Social Policy Guidelines of the Party and Revolution and the perfecting of the People’s Power system.

Meanwhile, Algerian Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal, expressed thanks for the warm welcome, noting that he felt honored to be visiting his comrades and brothers in arms.

The greatest figures of the Algerian Revolution have visited Cuba, noted the official, adding that citizens of his country feel a great respect and friendship toward the Cuban people.

“The Cuban and Algerian revolutions have the same objectives. If in the past it was the struggle for liberation that brought us together, today we are united in the fight for progress,” stated Sellal.

Abdelmalek Sellal arrived in Havana on the afternoon of October 12, to strengthen and expand the strong bilateral relations and ties of friendship which unite Cuba and Algeria.

“I bring greetings from the people of Algeria for the Cuban people,” stated the Prime Minister on arrival to the island, where he was received by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abelardo Moreno, and Marcia Cobas, deputy minister of Public Health.

“I wish to convey a warm greeting on behalf of the President of my country, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, to the President of the Councils of State and Ministers of Cuba, Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, and to the leader of the Revolution, Fidel Castro Ruz,” he stated.

In addition to other official activities the Algerian delegation, which includes the country’s Foreign Minister, Ramtane Lamamra, and Minister of Health,Abdelmalek Boudiaf, will visit sites linked to the biotechnology industry, as well as the Museum of the Revolution.

The Prime Minister will also hold official talks with the Cuban President, Army General Raúl Castro Ruz.