Presentation of Fiji’s floral tribute in Cuba
26/02/2025Published On: 26/02/2025
Fiji’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), H.E Ambassador Filipo Tarakinikini presented his credentials as Fiji’s non-resident Ambassador to Cuba, to the President of the Republic of Cuba H.E. Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez.
While meeting the Cuban President, Ambassador Tarakinikini conveyed the best wishes of the President of the Republic of Fiji, His Excellency Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka and the people of Fiji. He also thanked the Government and the people of Cuba for its support to the Fijian medical students, whilst they pursued their medical studies in Cuba.
The presentation of credentials reaffirms the enduring bilateral and multilateral cooperation between the two Small Island Development States (SIDS) member states founded on the principles of peace, respect for international law and the UN Charter.
During his visit, Ambassador Tarakinikini also met with Cuban Deputy Minister for Foreign Relations, H.E Mr. Elio Rodriguez Perdomo and reasserted Fiji’s commitment to further strengthen the diplomatic and development cooperation in mutual priorities. The two countries reaffirmed bilateral cooperation and shared commitment to peace in line with the Prime Minister Rabuka’s “Oceans of Peace” Concept for the Pacific, and with respect for international law and the UN Charter.
In particular, Ambassador Tarakinikini conveyed Fiji’s condolence to the people of Cuba for the devastation caused by tropical cyclone towards the end of 2024, which resulted in eight fatalities, two people missing and substantial damages to infrastructure.
Ambassador Tarakinikini also attended the Ceremony of Floral Tribute to Mr. Jose Marti, one of Cuba’s historical and national hero. Mr. Marti is a symbol of Cuba’s bid for independence in the 19th century, also referred to as the “Apostle of Cuban Independence.”
Additionally, he had the opportunity to meet with the remaining three Fijian medical students in Havana.
Fiji and Cuba established diplomatic relations in 2002, and in 2019 Cuba opened its Embassy in Fiji. Over the years, Cuba has played a significant role in medical cooperation amongst others, sending medical professionals to Fiji and offering scholarships for Fijian students to pursue medical studies in Cuba. As of 2025, three Fijian students are left to complete their studies.
A total of seven nations presented credentials along with Fiji, namely Belarus, Republic of Korea, Czech Republic, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Nepal and Nauru.
Ambassador Filipo Tarakinikini was accompanied to the credential presentation ceremony by his wife, Madam Amele Tarakinikini.
