Lok Sabha Speaker praises progress made by Cuba

New Delhi, Jan 9 (UNI) Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee, who is currently in Cuba leading an Indian Parliamentary Delegation, said he was greatly impressed with the advances made by a small country like Cuba without foreign influences, especially in scientific, technical, social and economic development.

Expressing interest in learning from Cuban experiences, Mr Chatterjee praised the island's achievements in terms of healthcare, an area which is an essential aspect in a developing country.

Referring to bilateral relations, the Lok Sabha Speaker said India and Cuba are old friends and expressed hope that the relations between the two nations would be strengthened further in times to come.

During the day, Mr Chatterjee met the Cuban Vice President, Carlos Lage Davila and Cuban Foreign Minister, Felipe Perez Roque, among other dignitaries, said a Lok Sabha Secretariat release issued here today.

UNI/BKS AKJ nd1832