BOLIVIA, May 10, 2007.- Cuban Foreign Minister Felipe Perez Roque conveyed salutations from President Fidel Castro to the Bolivian people, ratifying the island nation s solidarity with them and support for the Evo Morales government. Perez Roque was welcomed by his Bolivian counterpart, David Choquehuanca, at El Alto Military Airport on Thursday. The two officials will preside over the first meeting of the Consultation Mechanism between Foreign Ministries. The Cuban diplomat noted the importance of his second visit to La Paz at a historic time, when the Bolivian people have started to walk the path to final liberation and independence. Perez Roque told reporters that Cubans feel great affection for Bolivians and their solidarity with their struggle for dignity and respect for their rights will be firm. He expressed admiration for President Morales, who is a symbol for the peoples of the continent, he added. The visiting foreign minister said that the bilateral meetings he will hold in La Paz will contribute to strengthening Cuba s ties with a country that is "far away geographically, but very close to our hearts." Cuba s top diplomat added that he will inform Bolivian authorities on Cuba s work as president of the Non-Aligned Movement. He also congratulated thousands of Cuban doctors and teachers who are working in Bolivia, for their decisive contributions to social change in this South American country. (Cubaminrex-PL)
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