Cuba is working with the state government to establish a centre to promote its arts and culture to Malaysians.

To be known as "Cuba House", the centre, to be opened soon, is in keeping with the strong bilateral relations between Cuba and Malaysia as well as Malacca's rich history.

Cuban Ambassador to Malaysia Pedro Monzon said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Ali Rustam had offered a place in Malacca Historical City to promote Cuba's arts and culture in talks with him when accompanying Cuba's Vice-President Raul Castro on a visit to the state last year.

"In accepting the chief minister's offer, we will set up the Cuba House to promote our country's handicraft, arts, culture and perhaps the world famous Cuban cigars to visitors," he told Bernama.

Monzon also said he was impressed with the friendly Malaysians.

On the First Malaysian World Arts Tourism Expo currently held at the Melaka International Trade Centre in Ayer Keroh, Monzon said he had visited the expo and believed the locals have the enthusiasm and interest for overseas paintings and arts.

Six Cuban painters have taken up four booths at the six-day expo opened by Mohamed Ali on Wednesday.

Source: Bernama.com