HAVANA, Cuba.- Cuban Parliament President Ricardo Alarcon met on Saturday in this capital with his counterpart of the Republic of Benin, Mathurin Coffi Nago.

During the meeting, the Beninese parliamentary leader said that his visit responds to the interest of reaffirming solidarity with the Caribbean island, and expressed his admiration towards the spirit of resistance and the courage shown by the Cuban people over the last fifty years.

Cuba is a model for developing countries and for the Third World, a demonstration of the fact that a people can do a lot when it has the necessary willpower, asserted the President of the National Assembly of Benin.

Alarcon highlighted the friendly relations the two nations have had since their liberation, which are fueled by common antecedents and roots, he said.

The President of the Cuban Parliament pointed out that this contact will favor greater rapprochement and will contribute to the strengthening of relations between the two parliaments and peoples.

A delegation headed by Yenielys Reguieiferos, secretary of the Commission of International Relations of the Cuban legislative organ, visited hat country of western Africa in November.

Coffi Nago and his accompanying delegation will stay on the island until April 28, and during his stay he will visit centers of historic, scientific, educational, and economic interest.