The Cuban ambassador to France, Orlando Requeijo, highlighted on Thursday that the work done here in 2012, on the 110th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations, has allowed for deepening ties in various sectors.

"The work has been very large, dynamic and multifaceted, and we are ready to begin this year with many challenges," stated the diplomat in an interview with Prensa Latina.

Requeijo reported that in 2012 more than 100,000 French tourists visited Cuba, which indicates a consolidation of that market, despite the economic crisis Europe is facing.

He also referred to the movement in France opposing the blockade imposed by the United States against his country and the support for the release of five Cubans unjustly convicted in that northern nation.

Gerardo Hernandez, Fernando Gonzalez, Antonio Guerrero, Ramón Labañino and René González were arrested and sentenced to harsh prison terms more than 14 years ago, for alerting Cuba about violent actions organized by terrorist organizations established in Miami.

Another important moment of 2012 was the premiere in the city of Amiens of the symphony "Death and Rebirth", in homage to Commander Ernesto Che Guevara, at a ceremony attended by Aleida, the eldest daughter of the legendary Argentine-Cuban guerrilla.

To mark the 110th anniversary of bilateral relations, the books "The Strategic Victory" and "Strategic Counteroffensive", by the leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro, along with texts such as "Doctor Che Guevara," by Jean Cormier, and "Guantanamo," by the journalist and writer Francois Missen were released here this year.

An agreement was also signed between the National Audiovisual Institute of France and the Cuban Institute of Cinematographic Art and Industry (ICAIC) to restore and digitize the historical archives of ICAIC Latin American News.