JOHANNESBURG - South African International Relations and Cooperation Deputy Minister Marius Fransman left on Sunday for a two-nation visit to Panama and Cuba aimed at strengthening bilateral relations.

The deputy minister will meet his Panama counterpart Francisco Alvarez de Soto, and the two will among other things discuss ways of strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.

"The visit promises to provide impetus to South Africa's already solid bilateral and multilateral relations with Panama, a prominent maritime country and a hub for trade with a strong economic growth," said Clayson Monyela, the spokesperson for the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

"It is expected that Fransman will meet with Panama's officials in the departments of the commerce, finance, agriculture and Industry," said the spokesperson.

They will initiate discussions on how the South African airways can cooperate with Panama's airlines to facilitate smooth travel between the two countries.

On shipping, the South African delegation will visit the Panama Canal to examine trade opportunities available for South Africa.

From Panama, Fransman will fly to Cuba where he is expected to hold bilateral discussion with the deputy minister responsible for Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

The spokesman said, "Relations between South Africa and Cuba remain excellent. The governments of both countries share similar interests in relation to addressing the socio-economic needs and aspirations of the peoples of South Africa and Cuba."

Cuba has played a great role in training South African medical doctors. Over 300 South African medical doctors were trained in Cuba ,while more than 400 South African students are currently studying medicine in different Cuban universities.

The spokesperson said South Africa and Cuba have in the past few years strengthened their economic relations.