Havana, May 30, 2025.- Esteban Lazo Hernández, a member of the Political Bureau and president of the National Assembly of People's Power (ANPP) and the Council of State, received Martin Chungong, Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), at the National Capitol. Chungong is on an official visit to the country.
"I appreciate your interest in visiting Cuba, primarily because we recognize the important role of the institution, which you so worthily represent, in today's world. I also convey the gratitude of the Cuban people for the reports the IPU sends each year to the Secretary-General of the United Nations condemning the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States government," said Lazo Hernández.
He recalled that the largest of the Antilles hosted the 68th and 105th General Assemblies of the IPU, in 1981 and 2001, respectively; and emphasized the willingness to develop small-scale thematic events on the role of parliaments in public health, science and technology, combating climate change, and the role of women in society, among other topics.
He reaffirmed the will to continue strengthening relations between the Cuban Legislature and the IPU, and elaborated on the characteristics of the National Assembly of People's Power and its 10th Legislature, the legislative process following the proclamation of the Constitution of the Republic on April 10, 2019, and other matters.
Martin Chungong conveyed a message of solidarity and support for Cuba, for the leaders of our country, and for the Cuban people.
"We must raise our voices against injustice, such as the blockade your country has been suffering. We will continue to support Cuba against this injustice and other sanctions," he said.
He recognized the achievement of our nation currently being the second of the five countries in the world to achieve gender parity in Parliament, and the second in the world with the highest proportion of women representatives, according to IPU data.
Subsequently, Homero Acosta Álvarez, Secretary of the Cuban Legislature, and Martin Chungong signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the Secretariat of the National Assembly of People's Power and the IPU to continue strengthening cooperation.
The visitor—along with members of his delegation, Mauricio Huertas Glauser and Oscar Piquinela—toured the historic halls of the National Capitol, accompanied by the speaker of the Cuban Parliament.
Subsequently, Homero Acosta Álvarez, Secretary of the Cuban Legislature, and Martin Chungong signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the Secretariat of the National Assembly of People's Power and the IPU to continue strengthening cooperation.
The visitor—along with members of his delegation, Mauricio Huertas Glauser and Oscar Piquinela—toured the historic halls of the National Capitol, accompanied by the speaker of the Cuban Parliament.
(Cubaminrex-Granma)