Sanha told the media at the ceremony that his visit to Cuba is aimed at strengthening friendship and cooperation bonds existing between his country and the island.

He said he was pleased for having the possibility to meet with former comrades-in-arms and see firsthand that Cuba is taking steps towards contributing with the progress of Guinea Bissau and other nations.

Sanha was accompanied by Cuban deputy foreign minister Ana Teresita Gonzalez Fraga, President of the Cuban-African Friendship Association, Rodolfo Puente Ferro, and diplomatic representatives of Guinea Bissau in Havana, among others.

Sanha, who arrived in Cuba on Firday, will hold official talks today with Cuban President Raul Castro.

According to his schedule, Sanha will pay tribute to Cubans who died fighting in liberation wars in Africa. He will also pay homage to national hero Jose Marti.

Amilcar Cabral was the General Secretary of the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde. He led his country's liberation war against Portugal in the 1960’s and later he created the National Assembly of the Guinean People. Cabral was murdered on January 20, 1973.