Pyongyang, November 30 (KCNA) -- Member states of the ALBA have adhered to the stand for independence and socialism against imperialism under the banner of cooperation and unity.

Seven years has passed since Cuba and Venezuela formed the ALBA, a regional body, rejecting the U.S. demand for establishment of America Free Trade Zone ruled by itself.

This organization's idea of independence against the U.S. enjoyed support from regional countries and the number of its member nations increased to nine including Nicaragua, Bolivia and Ecuador.

Hugo Chavez Frias, president of Venezuela, underlined the need to make steady advance under the banner of socialism, stating that unity of the ALBA members is "the road to socialism in the 21st century".

Closely rallied in the idea of independence, the ALBA members have made a signal progress in social and economic fields, especially in abolition of illiteracy, through active mutual cooperation and exchange.

ALBA Fishery Company began to run in March 2009 and ALBA Medical Care Center was opened in Miranda State, Venezuela, in October that year.

The ALBA members have used common currency, Sucre, in their trade from January 1, 2010, as a step for the economic integration.

A document on founding ALBA-multinational food company was adopted in February 2010 to solve the food problem and develop agriculture.

They set up a ministerial committee for ensuring sex equality and are making joint efforts to encourage women to take an active part in building a new society. They also founded an ALBA ministerial committee for mutual cooperation in the field of environmental protection.

They are valiantly standing against the U.S. interference and military domination with their united efforts.

Their steady struggle for independence and socialism against the U.S. under the banner of unity and cooperation will surely result in good fruition.