Khouri met with Cuban Ambassador to Lebanon Jorge Leon to review the excellent state of bilateral relations and assess the prospects for deepening coordination in multilateral forums and events.

The two officials analyzed the regional and international situation and confirmed their interest in and willingness to strengthen ties to benefit Cuba and Lebanon.

Leon thanked Lebanon for supporting the Cuban people in their struggle against the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States for more than six decades.

Lebanon and Cuba established diplomatic relations in June 1960 with congratulatory messages on national holidays at the highest government and ministerial levels, in addition to coinciding on issues of common interest and mutual support for candidacies at international meetings.

Bilateral collaboration currently focuses on the commercial aspect with sales of Cuban cigars and the financial side through Lebanon’s Fransabank, which has been operating in Cuba since 1995.

jg/iff/oda/yma