By: Mnena Iyorkegh, Abuja
The Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria, Miriam Morales Palmero, has reiterated, Cuba’s continued commitment to strengthen the bilateral economic and commercial relations between the government and people of Nigeria.
Ambassador Morales stated this at the 50th Anniversary of Bilateral Relations between Cuba and Nigeria and the Day of Cuban Culture, in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
She explained that the two nations are united by genes, united by patriotic, rebellious and resilient idiosyncrasy, by traditions and religious beliefs, making the relationship indestructible.
“During these 50 years, we have worked in our bilateral relations not only to maintain but also enhance and develop the ties created. At the economic and commercial level, there has been an increase in the level of exchanges during the last two years, expanding the possibilities and opportunities for business and investments. The signing of agreements, Memoranda, and letters of intent in sectors such as health, education, Science and Technology, Agriculture, Sports, Culture and Energy, and the exchange of pharmaceutical and biotechnology products deserve special mention. The exchange between the private sectors is expanding and new opportunities and possibilities of cooperation are being opened” she explained.
According to the Envoy, both countries have a lot of potentials that can be explored with the objective of offering a better future for the citizens. She further commended Nigeria for always supporting Cuba in ensuring the legacy of its ancestors is not lost.
“In the international arena, both countries have maintained a fluid relationship of mutual cooperation, based on respect between nations. In the framework of this celebration, we thank the Nigerian people and government for their vote in favor of the elimination of the economic, commercial and financial blockade unjustly imposed by the United States against our country. We invite you to explore together all the potential that both countries have, with the objective of offering our people and countries a better future.
Nigeria is a place where I personally feel the spiritual connection with its people and the different cultures that makes it a special country. Thank you very much for so much shared love. We thank Nigerians who have always supported us to ensure that the legacy of our ancestors is not lost. We thank the followers of the ideas of the Founding Fathers of Pan-Africanism. We thank those who have always trusted the ideas of our undefeated Commander Fidel Castro, of our former President and historical leader of the Cuban Revolution Raúl, and of the current President Miguel Díaz Canel Bermudez, of invaluable commitment to Africa and especially to Nigeria”, she added
Also speaking, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, who was represented by the Director of Regions, Ambassador Janet Olisa, said that the bilateral relations between Nigeria and Cuba over the years is defined by the Spirit of cooperation and Friendliness.
“The spirit of cooperation and friendship definitely is what defines our national bilateral relations over the years. We reflect on our shared values, the journey we have made so far, the huge progress that has been, we have gained throughout the years, and we must thank the Cuban Government and people for the warm welcome for our students over the years. We have such a very strong alumni that have studied especially in the field of medicine over the years. This is part of the warm reception we as Nigerians have always received in Cuba, and because of that, our relationship, the resilience and the determination that we have in order to pursue peace around the world justice, ensuring that human rights is a fundamental right for everyone to be able to benefit from democratic practices and for what is good for each Country”
Ambassador Olisa also noted that it is hoped that businesses between the two nations will continue to blossom.
“Economic growth is not left out. We are hoping that in the next 50 years, our business community will thrive. We’ll have more interaction in that aspect. We welcome the delegation that was here recently, and we are looking forward to see how the business will flourish, and the areas that the Cuban government will open up for business, between Cuba and Nigeria. We also affirm the recently signed MOU with NAFDAC, which is a great moment for us, talking about vaccines, collaborations in medicine is key, alternative medicine it’s a very important and key area that we must always continue to leverage on.
She further reiterate Nigeria’s continued support for development between the two nations.
“This collaboration being a milestone of our bilateral relationship is definitely a time for both countries to see and to look at the best way for medicine. we also thank this relationship that has flourished. We’ve always ensured that when we meet at important fora, where we both belong, we share common value, and of course, we’ll continue to stand on the support for the Cuban government and the Cuban people, especially freedom, they say, is a God given right. We continue to pledge our support in development between our two countries, and we continue to ensure that the fundamental rights of everyone is upheld again I look forward to more strengths and businesses, and I keep emphasizing businesses, because this is where the economy will thrive on our cultural heritage. The sky is the limit, because we are just starting, we have a whole lot to celebrate. we will all continue to work together towards peace, justice for all”
The relationship between Cuba and Nigeria which started in 1974, is dated back with the continuity of the historical ties that began with the arrival of the first Africans, most of them from Nigeria, who were inhumanly taken as slaves to Cuba.
About, 400 Nigerian students are currently in different Cuban universities, mainly in medical sciences.
