APP cited Mr Faisal Karim Kundi deputy speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan as saying that Pakistan and Cuba enjoyed cordial relations and both countries had similar views on major regional and global issues.

He expressed desire to further strengthen the existing relations through enhancing parliamentary and economic ties between the 2 countries. He said that parliament in Pakistan was vibrant and all the democratic institutions in the country were functioning smoothly. The present parliament in Pakistan had adopted unanimous resolutions on all vital issue of national importance.

Mr Karim Kundi apprised the visiting deputy foreign minister of the parliamentary practices, committee system, women parliamentary caucus and youth parliamentary forum. He underlined the need for greater exchange of parliamentary delegations. He appreciated Cuba's generous relief assistance for the October 2005 earthquake affecters and Cuban assistance for the Pakistani students in health education.

Mr Marcos F Rodrigues Costa deputy foreign minister of Cuba said that the relations of Pakistan and Cuba were established 50 years ago. Cuba wanted to further strengthen its relations with Pakistan. Both the countries needed to enhance cooperation in trade, economic and other sectors through the parliamentarians of both the countries.

He proposed establishment of Pakistan and Cuban friendship groups in the parliaments of both the countries. While appreciating the performance of Pakistani students studying in Cuba, he assured the deputy speaker that Cuba would continue all kind of assistance and support to the Pakistani students studying there.

(Sourced from Associated Press of Pakistan)