Cuba and Paraguay agreed Thursday on the need to eliminate any obstacle toward further regional integration, which they said is the hallmark of the current Latin America.

Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez and visiting Paraguayan counterpart Jorge Lara Castro made the remarks during their talks, which also focus on bilateral cooperation.

Castro recalled the historical ties between Havana and Asuncion, and he thanked Cuba for supporting his country on many international issues.

A joint declaration issued after the meeting said the two sides would increase cooperation in healthcare, education and other areas.

Castro arrived here Wednesday for a three-day trip. He will visit the Research Centre on the World Economy in Havana, before attending the International Book Fair that officially opens on Thursday.

Cuba and Paraguay have had close ties in education and healthcare as Cuba have trained 908 Paraguayan students in its medical schools since 1999 and 499 Paraguayans are currently studying at Cuban universities.

The Caribbean island also sent a team of doctors to Paraguay to provide ophthalmologic services to low-income patients.