The President of Cuba’s National Assembly, Ricardo Alarcom, is on an official visit to Algeria, from July 13-19, at the invitation of his Algerian counterpart Abdelaziz Ziari.

The visit aims to develop parliamentary relations between both countries and step up bilateral talks.

Both officials said they wished to expand cooperative ties in many areas, especially in health care, education and sports. Cuba is also looking at the possibility of constructing dams and clean water supplies in the North African country and is willing to transfer the technology for manufacturing the hepatitis B vaccine and providing expertise in children’s heart surgery.

At present, 126 Cuban medical specialists are working in Algeria and Cuba will send another 180 specialists in an effort to reduce the mother and infant mortality rate in the country.

Earlier, on July 18, the Prime Minister of Kuwait, Naser Mohamed al Sabah held talks with the First Vice-President of the Council of State, José Ramón Machado as part of the Cuban visit.

They both confirmed that they had made commitments to strengthen bilateral cooperation and signed agreements in trade, culture and external relations.

Cuba and Kuwait first established diplomatic ties in May, 1974./.