HAVANA, Cuba–President Bouterse has highlighted the excellent state of relations with Cuba, as well as his country’s interest in deepening cooperation bonds, Cuban media are reporting. Bouterse arrived in Cuba on Tuesday May 24, on a two-day official visit in response to an official invitation by his Cuban counterpart, President Raul Castro Ruz.

“We have a new opportunity to explore other possibilities, see what we have to offer each other to expand cooperation. We’re convinced that the visit will be a success,” Cuba’s La Prensa quotes Bouterse as saying.

The Cuba visit made local headlines on Wednesday, when it turned out that despite announcing that a group of businessmen was supposed to travel along with the president, none had gone.

Bouterse is scheduled to hold official talks with Cuban President Castro, in addition to carrying out other activities.