The Federal Government of Nigeria has welcomed Cuban Minister of Foreign Affairs Bruno Parrilla, who arrived on Sunday for an official visit to strengthen the bilateral relationship between the two nations. Speaking on the importance of the visit, the acting spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to strengthening relations with Cuba. He stressed the partnership between the two nations, with both playing notable roles in African liberation movements, particularly in efforts to abolish apartheid and promote self-determination.
During his stay, Parrilla will hold a bilateral meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar to discuss ways of enhancing cooperation in critical sectors, including healthcare, education, agriculture, science and technology, and cultural exchange. This engagement is expected to build upon existing agreements and create new avenues for development. “The discussions will cover key areas where both nations can work together for mutual benefits,” the ministry’s statement noted. “We are particularly keen on enhancing collaboration in healthcare and medical research, given Cuba’s globally recognised expertise in these fields.”
Multilateral cooperation and global challenges.
Furthermore, the Cuban Foreign Minister is scheduled to meet with Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima to deliver a special message to his own government. His engagements will extend to high-level discussions with the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, further emphasising the depth of relations between both countries. Both countries are influential members of the Non-Aligned Movement and the Group of 77 plus China. They share similar views on various global issues, including international peace, security, and sustainable development.
Their shared stance on various global challenges makes them natural allies on multilateral platforms. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed optimism that the visit would further consolidate their common interests and enhance coordination in global decision-making. Their diplomatic relations date back to 1974, and both nations have since maintained strong cultural and economic exchanges. In October 2024, during the celebration of the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations, Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria Miriam Morales Palmero underscored Cuba’s dedication to maintaining and expanding these ties.
Historical ties and growing educational collaboration.
At the event, Palmero noted their contributions to the educational sector, revealing that over 400 Nigerian students are currently enrolled in their universities, mainly pursuing medical sciences. On their culture, Cuba, the largest island in the Caribbean, shares deep cultural connections with Africa, particularly Nigeria. The fusion of Spanish, African, and indigenous influences has shaped their identity, with African heritage playing a vital role in its music, dance, and traditions. This shared cultural background has fostered a natural affinity between the two nations.
Also, the Caribbean nation has gained global recognition for its healthcare and medical research advancements, making it a valuable partner in the country’s quest to improve its healthcare sector. During Parrilla’s visit, the discussions are expected to explore ways to facilitate knowledge transfer and medical collaborations that could benefit both countries. Beyond Education and healthcare, they have been exploring partnerships in agriculture, biotechnology, and scientific research. With Cuba’s expertise in vaccine development and Nigeria’s growing scientific community, the two countries have the potential to launch joint research initiatives that could address pressing health challenges in Africa.
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As the visit progresses, expectations remain high for concrete agreements to cement the relationship. With the discussions encompassing various sectors, both nations are poised to strengthen their cooperation to drive economic growth, technological advancements, and cultural exchange. Nigeria’s commitment to working closely signals a renewed dedication to diplomatic engagement with global partners that share its vision for Sustainable Development and international peace. The outcomes of this visit could mark a new phase in their relationship, fostering deeper collaboration and mutual progress in the years to come.