Cuban president concludes visit to Syria
Syria-Cuba, Politics, 5/17/2001

President Fidel Castro of Cuba on Wednesday left Damascus following a two- day visit to Syria. He was seen off at Damascus airport by President Bashar al-Assad, several cabinet ministers and the Cuban ambassador to the country.

Earlier in the day, President Bashar al-Assad and President Castro resumed their talks during a luncheon the President had in honor of the Cuban President at al-Shaab palace.

President Castro and members of the accompanying delegation on Wednesday morning visited al-Assad library. He laid a wreath at the statue of the late President Hafez al-Assad. He described the late President as one of the most serious, distinguished and humanitarian leaders.

In a press statement, President Castro added the " Syrians, Arabs and all freedom lovers all over the world will not forget him because he was a strong leader with firm stances that defended the Arab dignity and the one who did not surrender."

The Cuban President also wished President Bashar al-Assad every success, stressing that he will enjoy the support of the Syrian people.

President Castro also visited the Umayyad Mosque where he was briefed on the mosque's history, and the restoration works being carried out in the mosque so it can continue to be a distinguished religious landmark for coming generations.

He wrote a note in the visitors book in which he described the mosque as a wonderful architectural masterpiece, and a great religious landmark that points to religious tolerance in Syria.

Previous Stories:
  Al-Assad, Castro discuss regional issues, bilateral relations   (5/16/2001)
  Castro in Damascus today   (5/15/2001)
  Al-Shara confers with Cuba official   (3/12/2001)

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