Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma met Cuban president Raul Castro in Pretoria on Thursday to discuss bilateral relations, the presidency said.
“After this meeting, our ministers responsible for international relations will ensure that we work even harder to deepen our relations, in the memory of former president Nelson Mandela, who loved Cuba and Cubans so much,” said Zuma.
He said he was happy about the continuing strength of relations at social, political and economic levels.
The two presidents also discussed the Mandela's death and reflected on his and contribution and that of former Cuban president Fidel Castro in liberating their countries, presidency spokesman Mac Maharaj said in a statement.
Zuma thanked Castro and his delegation for coming to South Africa to mourn Mandela with the nation.
“It is very important to us that President Castro came in person. Paying tribute to Madiba would not have been complete without the participation of Cuba,” said Maharaj.
Sapa