HAVANA.- The Secretary General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres expressed gratitude on Tuesday in Havana for the hospitality and warm welcome he received in Cuba during his official visit to the country.

In statements to the press before his departure at the Jose Marti International Airport, the Secretary General was grateful in meeting Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel.

The interests of both high-ranking officials centered on international security and peace in addition to Agenda 2030 for the Sustainable Development and climate change.

The UN official also met with the First Secretary of the Cuban Communist Party, Army General Raul Castro.

They exchanged on the need to preserve the principles of International Law and spoke about issues of mutual interests.

During his intense and productive visit to the Caribbean island, Guterres visited Havana’s historic center, tour that led to congratulating those that work on the restoration of that part of the city, task that he considers a Cuban donation to the world.

He also paid tribute to Cuba’s National Hero Jose Marti at Revolution Square and said he admires Marti for his vision on freedom as a right for all.

The UN Secretary General also participated in the inauguration of the 37th period of sessions of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean underway at the Convention Center and pointed out in the existing disparity between the few that accumulate the majority of the richness and the millions that suffer hunger and poverty.

Regarding ECLAC, he affirmed that it’s an organization with an admirable history, defense of a just globalization and a humane economy.

The Deputy Foreign Minister Abelardo Moreno saw off Guterres at the airport.

The Portuguese diplomat ended a two-day official visit to Cuba, the first since he was elected Secretary General of the United Nations.