President Jacob Zuma met with the President of the Council of State and the Council of Minister of the Republic of Cuba, His Excellency Mr Raul Castro Ruz in Pretoria today, on 12 December 2013.
President Zuma said the meeting was important and successful.
"It was a very useful and positive consultation. The President has been able to give me a briefing about what is happening in Cuba and Latin America in general. I had an opportunity to discuss the developments in South Africa and the continent of Africa. We also discussed bilateral relations between the two countries and we are very happy with how strong the relations continue to be at all levels; that is social, political and economic levels.
After this meeting, our Ministers responsible for international relations will ensure that we work even harder to deepen our relations, in the memory of former President Nelson Mandela, who loved Cuba and Cubans so much,” said President Zuma.
President Zuma said Cuba played a critical role in South Africa's liberation struggle and as well as in Africa generally and holds a special place in the history of South Africa and Africa.
The two Presidents also discussed the passing of former President Mandela and reflected on the outstanding contribution of Madiba and former Cuban President Fidel Castro Ruz in liberating their respective countries.
President Zuma then thanked President Castro Ruz and his delegation for coming to South Africa to mourn with South Africans.
"It is very important to us that President Castro came in person. Paying tribute to Madiba would not have been complete without the participation of Cuba," said President Zuma.
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