Díaz-Canel expressed the government’s intention in a meeting this Saturday with Martin Chungong, secretary general of that “international organization which represents the legislative branch of governments worldwide.”

“It is a pleasure to receive him in Cuba, as his visit marks a milestone in the relations between our government and the National Assembly of People’s Power with the IPU, the head of State said, the official note underscores.

He also highlighted the “long history of collaboration” between the Antillean nation and the Union, and invited its president to visit the island. The dignitary thanked Chungong for “arriving in the country at such a complex moment, aggravated by the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States government, which maintains its perverse purpose of stifling the Cuban people.”

“Our people remain united, and in this context their resistance is heroic,” he said.

The IPU Secretary, meanwhile, said he felt “at home” here, and highlighted “the welcome given by the Cuban authorities,”

Chungong also “recalled the celebration of the General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union at the Convention Palace in 2001, and the presence there of the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, Commander in Chief Fidel Castro Ruz,” the text noted.

I have come to convey a message of solidarity and support to the Cuban people and government, on behalf of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, and also on my own behalf,” Chungong said. jrr/ arm/mem/ra