Havana: Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko, who is on a working visit to Cuba, met with President Miguel Diaz-Canel, a RIA Novosti correspondent reported. Diaz-Canel thanked Chernyshenko for the visit, as well as for visiting important historical sites. "We attach special importance to your visit, given the circumstances that are inherent in the entire world today. In the context of all this, we attach special attention to the development of relations and the strengthening of our cooperation, as well as the importance of these ties to jointly counter current challenges," the Cuban leader said.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the Russian official expressed his gratitude to the Cuban president for the warm welcome and hospitality. "This year marks the 65th anniversary of the restoration of diplomatic relations between our countries-a testament to our strong friendship. We also eagerly await your visit to Moscow in May for the celebration of the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. You are always welcome in Russia," Chernyshenko said.

The visit of the Russian delegation, led by Chernyshenko, takes place in the year of the 65th anniversary of the restoration of bilateral diplomatic relations between Russia and Cuba. The Russian deputy prime minister participated in the 22nd meeting of the Intergovernmental Russian-Cuban Commission on Trade, Economic, and Scientific-Technical Cooperation, visited the memorial of Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro, and toured a number of other significant sites in the republic.