Cuba today reasserted its partnership with Fiji in areas such as climate mitigation, oceans and environment protection, disaster management, education, health care and sports, among others.
This was conveyed this afternoon at an introductory courtesy call received by the Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Honourable Sitiveni Rabuka from the Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to Fiji, His Excellency José Manuel Galego Montano.
Prime Minister Rabuka acknowledged Cuba’s support to Fiji over the years, notably through the provision of medical scholarships for students in Fiji and the Pacific.
The Prime Minister thanked Ambassador Montano for the discussions they had on advancing Fiji and Cuba’s cooperation in the field of socioeconomic development.
He also reaffirmed Fiji Government’s commitment to further strengthen relations with Cuba on issues of mutual interest.
In response, Ambassador Montano congratulated Prime Minister Rabuka’s victory in the 2022 elections and also affirmed Cuba’s support for the People’s Coalition Government.
He said Fiji can always count on the solidarity of the Cuban Government and people “for we are island nations with shared challenges and aspirations”.
Ambassador Montano said Cuba will provide more scholarships in Medicine, Geography and Oceanology to Fiji, this year.
In the health sector, Cuba is also keen to send doctors and specialists in medicine, diabetes and in biotechnology to Fiji.
At the same time, Ambassador Montano said Cuba looks forward for the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs) with Fiji on sports development.
Cuba has extended an invitation to Fiji to attend one of the biggest trade fair in Havana in November of 2023.
Ambassador Montano highlighted the partnership opportunities with Fiji in areas such as sustainable agriculture, sugar agroindustry, use and conservation of water, promotion of renewable energies, to mention a few.
Established in 2002, Fiji and Cuba’s cordial relations continue to strengthen in the bilateral and multilateral arena.
Last year, marked the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Cuba and Fiji.
The 21 anniversary of Fiji and Cuba’s diplomatic relations and 10th anniversary of Cuba’s relations with Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) will be commemorated in July this year.
