VENEZUELA , January 25, 2007.- Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez highlighted the strategic importance of cooperation with Cuba in many diverse sectors, developed in the framework of the Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas (ALBA). In his speech during the signing of 16 agreements in a very wide range of economic activities, the Venezuelan leader ratified the importance of the deals signed on Wednesday by both countries. Contracts in transportation, communication, finance, agriculture, mining, industry, tourism, and energy sectors were signed in a ceremony attended by Chavez and Cuban vice President Carlos Lage. Chavez said that among the agreements are those that promote the creation of 12 joint companies, in addition to the nine already in existence. Referring to the latest statements of Bolivia s President Evo Morales on Latin American economies, Chavez recalled that Cuba registered the highest increase last year, followed by Venezuela. Chavez also noted before the Cuban delegation the importance of the integration initiatives, such as the Great South Gas pipeline and the energy projects of the Orinoco Strip and Pernambuco oil refinery in Brazil. (Cubaminrex-PL)
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