– President accepts invitation to visit Cuba
President David Granger and Cuba’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rogelio Sierra Diaz, who is currently on an official visit to Guyana committed to enhancing the relations between the two countries through increased collaboration and cooperation in areas such as health, environmental conservation, disaster management and tourism.
President Granger also accepted an invitation from the President of Cuba, Miguel Diaz-Canel to visit his country at a date to be determined.
During the meeting held at State House, President Granger said since establishing diplomatic ties on December 8, 1972, Guyana and Cuba have enjoyed a strong friendship based on shared trust, respect and mutual understanding.
In this regard, Minister Diaz said that the two Governments are in discussions to see how best the health cooperation, which exists between the two countries, can be best improved for mutual benefit.
On this note, President Granger said that as Guyana forges ahead with the pursuit of a ‘green’ economy, the country is looking to establish cooperation in the areas of environmental protection and conservation and tourism. He noted that this level of cooperation is of vital importance to advancing Guyana’s green agenda and overall economic development.
The Minister noted that Cuba is ready to lend whatever assistance it can in this area as they have already implemented stringent environmental conservation and protection measures and policies in their country, which could be used as a study for Guyana.
Following the meeting, the Minister paid homage to the victims of the Cubana Air Disaster with the laying of a wreath at the Monument to the Victims of Terrorism at the University of Guyana campus. He also paid a visit to the Centre for the Stimulation of Children, Adolescents and Youth with Special Educational Needs Associated with Disabilities at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE).
In 1972, Guyana led efforts by Caribbean states to break the diplomatic isolation of Cuba in this hemisphere; establishing diplomatic relations with that country.
The Deputy Foreign Minister also paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, the Director-General and other officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo among other officials.
