By Ochiaka Ugwu
Nigerian government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Cuban government that would among other things enhance the nation’s medical sector, aid scientific research, technology, trade and investment.
Signing the agreement in Abuja Monday after a closed-door meeting, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar who signed on behalf of Nigerian Government said the discussion with his Cuban counterpart, Bruno Eduardo Rodriguez Parrilla focused on enhancing trade, investment, collaboration in medical sector, scientific research and technology.
According to Amb. Tuggar, “Nigeria, Cuba relations was formalized in 1974.it was the height of the fight against racist regime in the continent. Cuba and Nigeria shared common position to purge African Nations of such racist regimes in Zimbabwe, South Africa, Namibia and Mozambique during the racist fight.
Beyond that, Nigeria and Cuba share strong close cultural and historical affinities. Many things you see here like the music, foods, traditional religion. During the slave trade era, a lot of Nigerians were forcibly taken out there. You are also aware of pillars of Tinubu’s foreign policy agenda are resting open, Democracy, Development, Demography and Diaspora.
“We consider Cuba as part of Nigerian Diaspora. The visit provided the opportunity to further strengthen existing ties, agreement and Memorandum of Understanding that is already in place.
“Also, as you have witnessed, we just signed new one to strengthen our political and further our collaboration bilaterally as well as multilateralist. Of course, during the course of our bilateral meetings, we discussed several areas of enhancing trade, investment, collaboration in medical sector, scientific research and technology. This is what Nigeria has been keenly working together with Cuba towards actualizing them” he said.
Also speaking, Mr. Parrilla who signed on behalf of Cuban government stated Cuba’s readiness to explore the potential for enhancing bilateral relations between the two countries pledging Cuba’s full commitment to strengthening ties with Nigeria.
His words, “We affirm the very positive potential to enhance our cooperation in trade, investment, economic, cultural, academic, and scientific relations. We have been exchanging views to explore new opportunities and consolidate existing collaborations.
“We enjoy an excellent level of bilateral relations across numerous areas, including proactive exchange and commonalities in our international agendas. There is a very active level of bilateral cooperation and consultation, both on bilateral fronts and within multilateral international organisations.
“I am confident that this visit is a positive step and an excellent foundation for continuing productive exchanges and exploring additional opportunities for the benefit of the Nigerian and Cuban peoples.
“We Cubans consider ourselves to be a Latin American-African people of African descent, most importantly of Nigerian descent. Modern Nigeria is in our blood, culture, religions, and traditions.”
“We feel immense pride as a Latin American-African people. We shall always remain loyal to this unique and shared history, especially with the Federal Republic of Nigeria” he stated.
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