Peruvian Parliament Leader Visits Cuba
Taken from Granma
22 de enero de 2006
The president of the Peruvian parliament, Dr. Marcial Ayaipoma, said on Monday in Havana that his country seeks to strengthen relations with Cuba.
The official met with his Cuban counterpart Ricardo Alarcon de Quesada, reported AIN news service.
"With this visit we want to resume bilateral relations based on three pillars: mutual respect, non-interference in internal affairs and cooperation between the two countries," said Ayaipoma.
The head of the Peruvian legislature pointed out that Lima opposes the nearly half-century US economic, commercial and financial blockade on Cuba.
Ayaipoma expressed interest in obtaining an accord or cooperation agreement on tourism taking into account the enormous potential of both countries in this area. He noted that Peru received 1.3 million foreign vacationers in 2005.
The official also thanked the Cuban government for its assistance in education, noting the 600 young Peruvians are studying at Cuban universities. He said that figure could increase by another 100 students.
Ricardo Alarcon gave the Peruvian a warm welcome and expressed his desire to work towards strengthening the ties between the two legislatures and nations.
Earlier in the day, the Ayaipoma visited the Revolution Square where he placed a floral wreath at the monument to Cuban National Hero Jose Marti.
Besides the congress president, the Peruvian parliamentary delegation is comprised by Gustavo Pacheco, president of the Foreign Relations Commission, Jose Luis Risco, of the Independiente Party, Cecilia Tait and Doris Sanchez of Peru Posible Party and Heriberto Benites of the friendship with Cuba group.