CUBA, February 14, 2009. Cuban President Raul Castro bid farewell last night to Chilean President Michele Bachelet at the Jose Marti International Airport at the conclusion of her successful visit to Cuba. Bachelet, whose official visit began on February 11, said, "We have signed a number of important accords. We have strengthened a very high level of political dialogue and we hope that our people work together to see results that will benefit the peoples of Cuba and Chile." Raul accompanied Bachelet to the foot of the Chilean Air Force plane stairway where the two leaders spoke and bid each other farewell. Later, Raul Castro spoke with the national and foreign press present at the airport. He noted the importance of the current context "in a Latin America that has come of age, and wants to speak with its own voice." He also referred to the fact that several presidents have traveled —and will continue traveling— to Cuba, in what he said "is recognition of the resistance of our country during over the last 50 years." The Cuban president expressed his gratitude for visits because they are a show of support and respect for Cuba, "and a sign that the times are changing. That there is a unity within the diversity." (Cubaminrex- Granma) |