CUBAN MINISTER LAUNCHES 'FRIENDS OF CUBA ASSOCIATION MALAYSIA'

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 13 (Bernama) -- Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez
Parrilla has launched the 'Friends of Cuba Association Malaysia' during his
two-day visit to Malaysia, which ended Tuesday.

Wisma Putra (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) said in a statement Wednesday, the
association was aimed at promoting trade and people-to-people contact between
the two countries.

It said that this was Parrilla's first visit to Malaysia since assuming the
post in March, last year.

During the visit, he called on Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak and
also met former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

Parrailla and his Malaysian counterpart, Anifah Aman, had a
bilateral meeting which enabled both leaders to establish closer rapport and
explore opportunities through a number of bilateral initiatives such as oil and
gas, education, biotechnology, health, sports and ICT.

Wisma Putra said the visit also provided an opportunity for them to discuss
and exchange views on regional and international issues of interest and concern
to both countries.

Cuba and Malaysia established diplomatic ties, 35 years ago.