Lazo, also a member of the Party’s Central Committee Political Bureau, described as historic the links existing between the two nations, commenting that the visit will contribute to further strengthening inter-parliamentary relations.
He recalled that Cuba currently has more than 400 collaborators in Guinea, mainly in the fields of health, education and infrastructure, and expressed the country’s willingness to expand commercial and social ties.
Lazo thanked the parliamentarian for her country’s support in the struggle against the U.S. blockade and for the return of the Cuban Five, noting that in spite of the reestablishment of bilateral relations, the United States still illegally occupies territory in Guantanamo; the Cuban Adjustment Act persists; and restrictions on travel to Cuba remain in place.
Asangono commented that cooperation between Guinea and Cuba is long-standing, and that among the objectives of the visit is expanding the relationship of fraternity and cooperation, since Equatorial Guinea is a Third World country in urgent need of technology for development, while Cuba is able and willing to continue collaborating with Guinea.
Teresa Efua Asangono was also awarded Cuba’s Friendship Medal, in recognition of her contribution in the strengthening of ties between Cuba and her country.
The award, granted by the Council of State at the request of the Cuban Institute of Friendship, was given to Asangono by Lazo during a ceremony at the Institute.
The delegation began its official visit by placing a wreath at the monument to Cuba's national hero Jose Martí, at Havana’s Plaza de la Revolución and is scheduled to depart September 12. The visitors will participate in a variety of activities, including meetings with leaders of the Party, the ministries of Foreign Relations and Foreign Trade, as well as the Federation of Cuban Women.
