• Submitted by: admin
• Europe
• International
• Sports
• Politics and Government
• 03 / 20 / 2007

Portugal's Minister of Youth and Sports Laurentino Dias on Monday met the vice president at Cuba's Sport Institute (Inder), Roberto Leon Richard, at the start of a four-day trip to the island, Cuban media said on Monday.

"You can count on the Cuban sporting movement's support," Richard told Dias at a welcoming ceremony for the minister and his team.

Dias expressed interest in volleyball and baseball. The latter game has just started being played in Portugal.

In previous programs, wrestling, skating and volleyball coaches have worked in Portugal.

Dias spoke of his recent trip to Beijing, which will host the 2008 Olympic Games, and described China's preparations for the competition as "exceptional".