HAVANA, Sept. 15 (Xinhua) -- Cuba's Culture Minister Abel Prieto and his Brazilian counterpart Joao Luiz Silva Ferreira have signed an agreement to enhance cultural cooperation between the two countries, the Cuban authorities said on Tuesday.

    The agreement, signed in the capital Havana on Monday, includes exchanging artists and cultural groups and expanding cooperation in literature, cultural heritage and other sectors.

    "I hope this visit contributes to strengthening mutual ties and formulating concrete plans of joint development in different areas," Silva said.

    Prieto hailed the efforts made by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in developing Brazilian culture which he said the Cuban people admire very much.