Havana, May 21 (RHC) -- Bolivian President Evo Morales was awarded the Jose Marti Order in Havana on Friday night. The decoration is the Cuban Council of State’s highest award, given to foreign dignitaries in recognition of their defense of peace and their contribution to either education, culture, sciences, sports or their creative work.

Cuban Council of State’s Secretary Homero Acosta noted during the awarding ceremony that President Morales, who had initially been a labor leader, deserved praise for his role in lifting Bolivia from poverty and turning it into one of the continent’s most prosperous nations.

The visiting Bolivian president had met earlier Friday with President Raul Castro. The two leaders reviewed the state of bilateral relations and evaluated Cuba-Bolivia cooperation agreements.

As part of his activities in Cuba, together with President Raul Castro the Bolivian head of state attended the signing ceremony of a framework agreement for bilateral cooperation, penned by Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment Rodrigo Malmierca, of Cuba, and the Foreign Minister of Bolivia, David Choquehuanca.

Bolivia President Evo Morales ended his official visit to Cuba on Saturday.