Chairman Senate concludes visit to Cuba

Islamabad, September 19, 2012 (PPI-OT): At the invitation of the National Assembly of People’s Power (Parliament) of Cuba, Pakistan Senate delegation visited Cuba on 13-17 September 2012. The delegation was led by Chairman Senate Syed Nayyer Hussian Bokhari and included Senator Saeed Ghani, Senator Mushahid Ullah Khan, Senator Nuzhat Sadiq and Secretary Senate Mr. Iftikhar Ullah Babar, says a press release received from Havana here today.

During their stay in Cuba, Pakistan Senate delegation: (i) held talks with the President of the Cuban Parliament Mr. Ricardo Alarcon; (ii) met with Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Public Health and Higher Education of Cuba; (iii) visited the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology in Havana; and (iv) visited Santa Clara, capital of Villa Clara province, to meet Pakistani students studying medicine under the scholarship programme offered by Government of Cuba in the aftermath of 2005 earthquake.

On the concluding day of the visit, Chairman Senate was received by First Vice President of Cuba José Ramón Machado Ventura. During the meeting, Chairman Senate conveyed greetings from the people and leadership of Pakistan to the people and leadership of Cuba, which were reciprocated by Mr. Machado. Both leaders exchanged views on ways to enhance bilateral relations, regional and international situation.

Chairman Senate expressed gratitude for the Cuban assistance extended and scholarships offered in the aftermath of 2005 earthquake. Also, he informed Cuban First Vice President about the sacrifices given by the people of Pakistan including armed forces and security personnel in combating terrorism, Pakistan’s commitment to help promote peace in Afghanistan and have friendly relations with all neighbouring countries, including India.

During talks held with the President of Cuban Parliament Mr. Ricardo Alarcon, both sides expressed their interest in expanding bilateral relations in the areas of trade and commerce, healthcare and higher education. Chairman Senate extended an invitation for Cuban Parliamentary delegation to visit Pakistan. After the talks, Mr. Ricardo Alarcon hosted luncheon in the honour of Pakistan Senate delegation.

As the last part of the visit programme, Ambassador of Pakistan to Cuba Mr. Khalilullah Qazi hosted luncheon in the honour of Chairman Senate and members of his delegation. The luncheon was also attended by President of the Cuban Parliament Mr. Ricardo Alarcon and Ambassadors of Asian countries based in Havana.

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