Khatami Calls for Expansion of Iranian-Cuban Ties

Iranian President Mohammad Khatami called on Thursday for expansion of relations with Cuba.

During a meeting with Ricardo Alarcon de Quesada, president of Cuba's National Assembly of People's Power, Khatami highlighted the achievements made by Cuba in anti-drug campaigns and in scientific and technological development, Iran's official IRNA news agency reported.

He called for increased exchange of information in all fields between the two countries.

Khatami spoke highly of his meetings with Cuban leaders and senior officials during his recent visit to Cuba and the current Cuban parliament leader's visit to Iran, voicing belief that the moves will further promote the bilateral ties.

He said that the exchange of visits between the two countries' parliaments would further strengthen the bilateral ties.

For his part, Alarcon said that the two countries have close views on regional and international issues. He expected that the two sides will broaden and expand the relations in various fields.

Referring to the potentials for expansion of cooperation, Alarcon said that the geographical distance can not prevent Havana and Tehran from consolidating their relations.

He noted that both Cuba and Iran "have played an effective role" to this end, saying that the parliamentary ties between the two countries are "very strong."






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