Ogata meets with Cuban ambassador to Japan

   Japanese Communist Party Vice Chair and International Bureau Director Ogata Yasuo on February 29 met with Cuban Ambassador to Japan Jose Fernandez de Cossio at the Cuban Embassy in Tokyo to deliver a message from JCP Chair Shii Kazuo congratulating Raul Castro on his taking office as Cuban president.

   Thanking him for the message, Ambassador Cossio promised to transmit the message to Cuba.

   He also explained a speech Raul Castro delivered to the Nation Assembly after being elected, challenges the new government is taking on, and the characteristics of the lineup of the newly-elected Council of State.

   Ogata thanked Cossio for his explanation, and they discussed the further development of ties between the JCP and the Communist Party of Cuba and the Cuban government.

- Akahata, March 1, 2008