Upon his arrival at the Jose Marti International Airport, where he was received by Government Minister Ricardo Cabrisas, the Panamanian leader praised the solidarity links that exist between his country and Cuba and said that this visit aims at strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two nations.

Torrijos announced that during his visit he will sign a cooperation agreement in the field of energy. He added that Cuba and Panama have several cooperation agreements and recalled that, thanks to the Operation Miracle free eye-surgery program promoted by Cuba and Venezuela, some 4.000 Panamanians have been able to recover their sight in 2008 alone.

He also recalled that many Panamanian youths are currently studying in Cuba, mainly at the Latin America School of Medicine and at the International School of Sports and Physical Education.

During his stay in Cuba, Torrijos will hold official talks with Raul Castro and will preside over the signing of bilateral accords.

The visitor will also attend the ceremony of the laying of the first stone of a monument in memory of his father, Omar Torrijos Herrera (1929-1981), the Panamanian leader from 1968 until 1981.

This is Martin Torrijoss fifth visit to Cuba, and the first of an official nature, since he took power in September 2004.

(mathaba.net)