Havana, Cuba.- Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said on Friday that the visit of the president of the Spanish government, Pedro Sanchez, strengthens bilateral ties.

We received the president of the government of Spain, Pedro Sanchez, at the Palace of the Revolution. We have had a first and cordial encounter with him in his visit to our country, which we sincerely appreciate. The relations between #Cuba and #Spain are strengthened. #WeAreCuba, the president wrote on his Twitter account @DiazCanelB.

Sanchez arrived on Thursday in Havana, where he was received by the Cuban head of state. He also paid homage to the Apostle Jose Marti in the memorial that bears his name in the capital.

At the meeting, the leaders expressed the interest of both nations in strengthening their ties in the economic-commercial, cultural, scientific and academic spheres, as well as in cooperation.

The leaders also led the signing of two memoranda between Cuba and Spain.

As scheduled, Sanchez will tour this Friday the Historic Center of Old Havana, declared a World Heritage site in 1982 by the United Nations Education, Science and Culture Organization.

On several occasions, representatives of Cuba and Spain have repeatedly expressed their willingness to foster political dialogue and institutional links to boost economic, commercial, financial and investment relations.

In 2017, Spain occupied the third place in the commercial exchange of Cuba with the world; it also stands out as the most represented country in the International Fair of Havana.

Cuba and Spain have maintained uninterrupted diplomatic relations since 1902.