Nigeria and Cuba are enhancing their diplomatic and economic relations, focusing on healthcare, education, and trade as they celebrate 50 years of partnership. Key figures, including Vice President Kashim Shettima and Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, emphasized their countries’ shared history and cultural ties, affirming Nigeria’s commitment to support Cuba.
Nigeria and Cuba have initiated efforts to enhance their economic and diplomatic relationships, focusing on key areas such as healthcare, education, and trade. This action coincides with the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, which began in 1974. Vice President Kashim Shettima characterized Cuba as a significant ally, particularly referencing its historical support for Africa during liberation movements.
During a meeting at the State House in Abuja, Vice President Shettima acclaimed Cuba’s contributions, stating, “Cuba, though located in South America, has its heartbeat in Africa.” He highlighted the ancestral connection between the two nations, noting that a significant portion of Cuba’s populace has African heritage, predominantly traced to Nigeria.
Vice President Shettima reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to their partnership, especially in healthcare and vaccine development, expressing, “Our hearts and souls are with you. We will support you in whatever way we can.” This emphasizes the depth of the alliance as Nigeria advances in these critical sectors.
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla acknowledged the longstanding friendship, reflecting on the historical ties that bind Nigeria and Cuba. He remarked on the significant contributions of Africans to Cuban society and the shared struggles against colonialism and apartheid, emphasizing that these connections have molded their nations.
Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, affirmed Nigeria’s dedication to strengthening this important relationship. His comments underlined the completion of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing various sectors, including economic relations, tourism, and technology, reiterating their mutual commitments formed since 1974.
In summary, Nigeria and Cuba are reinforcing their economic and diplomatic connections, celebrating 50 years of formal relations. Both countries express a strong commitment to collaboration, particularly in healthcare and vaccine development. The historical ties, grounded in shared struggles against oppression, highlight the enduring partnership between the two nations, further solidified by recent agreements on various sectors.
Original Source: www.arise.tv
