Delhi-based Cuban Amba-ssador concurrently accredited to Bangladesh Juan Carretero Ibanez, as a special envoy of the Cuban President, formally delivered the invitation letter to Khaleda at her office yesterday.

Thanking Castro through the envoy for the invitation, Khaleda said she will try to attend the Non-Aligned Movement Summit.

The Ambassador said apart from the letter, the Cuban leader, who is seen as a living legend in world politics-- personally hoped that Khaleda would attend the summit of the forum of

Non-Aligned countries.

"The Cuban government and people are eagerly waiting to accord a cordial and warm reception to Prime Minister Khaleda Zia to Cuba," the envoy quoted Castro as saying.

"A new dimension in diplomatic and bilateral relations" between Dhaka and Havana had been created during the visit of late President Ziaur Rahman to Cuba in 1979, it was recalled during the meeting.

During the meeting, the Ambassador expressed Cuba's interest in setting up joint venture pharmaceutical plants in Bangladesh.

Welcoming the intention, Khaleda said they can take quality medicine from Bangladesh.

The envoy apprised the PM that Cuba is also thinking of setting up Cuban Chancery in Bangladesh soon.

He conveyed the Cuban president's greetings to Khaleda on the occasion of Independence and National Day of Bangladesh. Prime Minister Khaleda also reciprocated through the Ambassador.