Close Relations between Cuba and UNESCO highlighted in Paris

Cuban president, Miguel Diaz-Canel and general director of Unesco, Audrey Azoulay, highlighted today the close relations between the island and that United Nations organization, during a meeting held in this capital.

Azoulay received the Cuban president this morning at the Unesco Paris headquarters, during a transit visit previous to a wide ranging tour that will take him to European and Asian countries.

After welcoming him, the director general stressed the 'excellent historical relations' maintained at present, through the permanent Cuban mission to the organization and the worik of the Cuban National Commission of Unesco.

She also recalled the Caribbean nation is one of the members of its Executive Council, one of the rector organs of Unesco.

French politician also emphasized the importance of his visit in the complex present context of international relations, in which multilateralism needs to be reinforced.

On his side, the president said that for Cuba relations with Unesco are very important, which 'we recognize with much emphasis its principles and values which coincide with those of the Cuban Revolution', he asserted.

The head of State recalled that UN organization hands two prizes related with Cuba, the Jose Marti (Cuban national hero) and the Carlos J. Finlay (eminent scientist).

In the case of recognition of the one named after Jose Marti, he detailed, 'we give special relevance to it because we consider his ideals and thoughts are connected to those defended by Unesco'.

To close the meeting, Diaz-Canel signed the Golden Book, where he stressed the coincidence on global issues that both defend together.

'We return full of commitment to comply them now and in the future', he said.

As part of his stay in Paris, the Cuban president was also received by French Prime Minister, Edouard Philippe, after which he highlighted the high level of political relations between both nations.

This Thursday Diaz-Canel travels to Russia, where he will be on an official visit and later will be on a tour to China, Vietnam, the People's Democratic Republic of Korea and Laos.