MOSCOW, February 26. /TASS/. Russian State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin congratulated Esteban Lazo Hernandez, chairman of the Cuban National Assembly of People's Power and the State Council of Cuba, on the occasion of his birthday, thanking him for his contribution to strengthening interparliamentary cooperation and Cuba’s friendly ties with Russia.

"I wish you a happy birthday. I wish you good health, happiness and all the best. You have dedicated your life to serving the Cuban people and fighting for independence and your own path of development in Cuba. Your contribution to strengthening interparliamentary cooperation, friendly relations and strategic partnership between our countries deserves respect," said Volodin, whose congratulatory message has been published on the website of the State Duma, the lower house of parliament.

The Duma speaker noted that he would be glad to have the opportunity to hold new meetings with his Cuban counterpart.