JCP International Bureau director meets with Cuban ambassador

Nishiguchi Hikaru, Japanese Communist Party International Bureau director, met with Cuban Ambassador to Japan Ernesto Melendez Bachs on July 10 at the JCP head office.

The Cuban ambassador congratulated the JCP on its 80th founding anniversary on July 15 and explained to Nishiguchi about the recent situation in Cuba. He particularly referred to the Cuban efforts to maintain the present level of medical care and education while carrying out economic reforms despite the fall of prices of Cuban exports and the worldwide economic recession.

Pointing out that the U.S. Bush administration is increasing its interference in Cuba, Melendez emphasized that Cuba's social and economic system is a matter to be determined by the Cuban people.

Thanking the ambassador for the congratulations, Nishiguchi said that the JCP is proud of its solidarity with the Cuban people's struggle to defend their independence and national sovereignty. He added that the JCP takes note of the fact that the Cuban people, despite various difficulties, are producing important results in areas that are vital to the people. (end)