Congolese Legislator Describes Cuba as Pride of Africa

President of the Senate of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Leon Kengo Wa Dondo, stated today that Cuba is an extension of the African continent in the Americas, and a cause of pride for the African nations.

In a meeting with the President of the National Assembly of the People's Power of Cuba (Parliament), Esteban Lazo, the visitor said that Cuba's achievements in health and education, in spite of the US economic, commercial and financial blockade, serve as an example to his country and to the entire African continent.

"We have come to tell you that we are thrilled and inspired to do the same you have done," said Wa Dondo, who will stay in Cuba until April 28 at an invitation made by Lazo.

Lazo and Wa Dondo agreed that the links between Havana and Kinshasa are solid, and the current visit will contribute to further strengthen them.

We have longstanding links, said Lazo, recalling that 1.20 million Africans were taken by force from their land and brought to the Americas as slaves.

Those slaves had a major role in our struggles for independence, as they struggled for their freedom, he added.

Because of that historical debt, we have contributed our solidarity to Africa, in the struggles for sovereignty and independence and in its socio-economic development.

The president of the Cuban Parliament also thanked the visitor for his country's support to the battle against the US blockade and extolled the actions carried out by the parliamentary group of friendship with Cuba, in solidarity with the Island's causes.

He also referred to the opportunities for bilateral cooperation in different sectors beyond education and health.

In this regard, Wa Dondo and his delegation are scheduled to visit renowned Cuban centers devoted to biotechnology and genetis engineering.