Pretoria - South Africa and Cuba have reaffirmed the need to strengthen their existing relations and further expand cooperation between the two countries.
International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana Mashabane on Wednesday concluded her official working visit to La Havana where she co-chaired the 6th session of the SA / Cuba JCC with her Cuban counterpart, Minister Marcelino Medina Gonzalez.
According to a statement from the department, the two ministers also reviewed the status of bilateral relations between SA and Cuba in all fields of cooperation and assessed the state of the Joint Bilateral Commission.
"Minister Nkoana Mashabane further called for the need to elevate the relations to a higher level through providing more life and impetus to the South Africa - Cuba Relations," said the statement.
The meeting viewed reports on progress registered in the fields of trade and investment, mining, communications, human settlements, water affairs, health, environment, arts and culture and transport.
Nkoana Mashabane also undertook a visit to Jose Marti Memorial for a wreath - laying ceremony in memory of the fallen gallant heroes and heroines of the Cuban people as well as other internationalists who died in pursuit of freedom.
President Jacob Zuma is expected to visit Cuba early next year following an invitation from President Raul Castro.
