Cuban President Raul Castro and his Brazilian counterpart Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva presided over official talks on Thursday between delegations from both countries at the Planalto Palace, venue of the Brazilian government.

According to Granma news daily, the exchange was frank and fraternal and both leaders expressed their joy and satisfaction at the development of bilateral relations in all areas, particularly in the political and economic fields.

One of the most important topics discussed was the integration and development of Latin America and the Caribbean.

Raul congratulated Lula on the success of the First Latin American and Caribbean Summit on Integration and Development that took place this week in Salvador de Bahia, Brazil, which also hosted summits of the Rio Group, the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) and the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR).

For his part, Lula said he was satisfied with Raul’s visit to Brazil and reiterated his joy because of Cuba’s entry into the Rio Group as a full member.

He also ratified the rejection of his government and people of the US economic blockade of Cuba and added that they will continue working in all international meetings to end this criminal measure.