Nigeria and Cuba have reaffirmed their long-standing diplomatic alliance, with a high-level visit from the Caribbean nation’s Vice President scheduled for later this year.
The Vice President of Cuba, Salvador Valdés Mesa, is expected to travel to Abuja following the upcoming African Union Summit. The visit aims to build on decades of “principled” friendship and explore new avenues for economic and technical cooperation.
The announcement came during a meeting on Tuesday between Nigeria’s Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Ahmed, and the Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria, Miriam Morales Palmero.
A partnership beyond diplomacy
Nigeria and Cuba have maintained a unique relationship for decades, often finding common ground in their shared history and their positions within the “Global South.”
During the talks in Abuja, Ambassador Morales Palmero thanked Nigeria for its “consistent support” on the international stage. Cuba has long relied on Nigeria’s diplomatic weight at the United Nations to advocate for the end of economic sanctions and to promote non-interference in Latin American affairs.
The ‘Cuban Model’: Health and Education
The discussions touched on several key areas where Cuba offers world-renowned expertise:
- Universal Healthcare: Cuba’s medical diplomacy is a cornerstone of its foreign policy, and both nations discussed expanding cooperation in health services.
- Free Education: Reaffirming a commitment to social development and literacy.
- Gender Inclusion: Exchanging perspectives on policy frameworks for equality.
Ambassador Ahmed noted that Nigeria remains committed to the “peaceful resolution of disputes” and values its partnership with Cuba in addressing global security and human rights concerns.
Looking south-south
The meeting underscores Nigeria’s “Renewed Hope” diplomatic agenda, which seeks to strengthen ties with traditional allies while opening new economic doors. For Cuba, Nigeria serves as a critical gateway to the African continent.
The proposed visit by Vice President Valdés Mesa is expected to result in the signing of several fresh agreements in the fields of biotechnology, agriculture, and cultural exchange.
The upcoming visit by the Cuban Vice President could signal new opportunities for Nigerian medical students and agricultural researchers.
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