The historic bonds of brotherhood between Cuba and the Russian city of St. Petersburg are being strengthened as authorities from both nations commit to bringing their peoples closer together.

St. Petersburg, Russia.- St. Petersburg Governor Alexander Beglov reaffirmed on Friday in a meeting with Roberto Morales, member of the Political Bureau and Secretary of Organization of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba (CC-PCC), that “Russia will always stand by Cuba.”

During a meeting with the Cuban political leader, who is officially visiting this nation, Beglov reaffirmed his country’s and the region’s commitment to supporting the defense of the independence and sovereignty of what the Russians call the “island of freedom.”

He also took the opportunity to express his special gratitude to First Secretary of the CC-PCC and President Miguel Diaz-Canel for the recent hospitality extended to Cuba, during which they held a fruitful exchange of views on the most pressing bilateral projects.

Morales, in turn, highlighted the progress in relations between St. Petersburg and the Cuban provinces of Havana, Matanzas, and Santiago de Cuba.

He also expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support of the Russian people and Government in their ongoing efforts to help Cuba in its fight against the commercial and financial blockade imposed by successive US administrations, as well as for the aid sent after Hurricane Melissa.

Before this meeting, Morales and his accompanying delegation visited the Legislative Assembly, where they were received by its President, Alexander Belsky.

The Cuban communist leader’s official visit began on November 25 in Moscow and will continue until November 30, at the invitation of United Russia and the Communist parties of the Russian Federation.

This visit reaffirmed the commitment to further expanding bilateral strategic cooperation. (PL)