The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its longstanding bilateral relations with the Republic of Cuba and sustaining cooperation at both bilateral and multilateral levels.
The Minister gave the assurance when he received the Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to Nigeria, Her Excellency Miriam Morales Palmero, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tafawa Balewa House, Abuja. During the meeting, both sides reviewed the state of Nigeria-Cuba relations and explored opportunities for enhanced collaboration in education, healthcare, biotechnology, agriculture and food security.
The Cuban Ambassador Congratulated Ambassador Enikanolaiye on his appointment and reaffirmed Cuba’s commitment to expanding its historic partnership with Nigeria.
She briefed the Minister of State on the ongoing bilateral initiatives, including the implementation of a Memorandum of Understanding on Education and efforts to conclude negotiations on an Agreement on Cuba’s internationally recognized Food and Nutrition Programme.
She also highlighted discussions on collaboration in vaccine production and biotechnology through partnerships with Nigerian private sector investors.
On multilateral issues, Ambassador Palmero expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s consistent support for the United Nations General Assembly Resolution calling for an end to the economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba.
She further briefed the Honourable Minister on the humanitarian and economic challenges facing Cuba and appealed for Nigeria’s continued support within the United Nations system.
Responding, Ambassador Enikanolaiye reaffirmed Nigeria’s longstanding friendship with Cuba and expressed sympathy over the humanitarian difficulties confronting the Cuban people. He stressed that differences between states should be resolved through dialogue, mutual respect, diplomacy and adherence to the principles of the Charter of the United Nations.
