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• Caribbean
• culture an traditions
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• South America
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• Politics and Government
• 12 / 19 / 2008

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At a lunch given at Itamaraty Palace in honor of Raul Castro, Lula said that Brazil and Cuba are united by links of history, culture and affection.

I wish to express satisfaction and joy for Raul Castro's first visit to Brazil, said Lula before referring to social achievements of the Revolution in the last fifty years, an example for the world mainly in health and education.

He highlighted the solidarity of Cubans with Latin America, the Caribbean and Africa, and recalled that the example of the Cuban Revolution inspired Brazilians in the terrible times of repression and in the construction of a better country.

Lula said bilateral relations march at an intensive pace. He recalled his three visits to the Island, the latest to express solidarity and offer humanitarian assistance in the wake of devastation left by three hurricanes.

We are determined to strengthen collaboration with Cuba and help it develop transportation and the chemical and iron and steel industries, as well as food and energy self-sufficiency, he announced.

Lula extolled Cuban scientific research in nanotechnology and the fight against hepatitis and cancer and highlighted the work carried out by Cuban specialists in the battle against malaria in the Brazilian Amazon and the training of young doctors in the Island.

He also appreciated Havana's support to Brasilia's aspiration to occupy a seat at the UN Security Council. ef rma leg

(PL)