Nigeria and Cuba have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance bilateral relations in the areas of medicine, science, and technology.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and his visiting Cuban counterpart, Bruno Eduardo Rodriguez Parrilla, signed the MoU following their closed-door deliberations on Monday in Abuja.
Tuggar stated that the MoU focuses on strengthening relations, particularly in the areas of trade, medicine, science, and technology.
“We have just signed an agreement, an MoU, to further strengthen our political relationship and collaboration, both bilaterally and multilaterally.
“During the course of our bilateral meeting, we discussed several areas aimed at enhancing trade, investment, and collaboration regarding the medical sector, research, science, and technology. This is something Nigeria keenly looks forward to actualising with Cuba.
“For us, we consider Cuba as part of Nigeria’s diaspora. This visit provides an opportunity to further strengthen existing ties, agreements, and memoranda of understanding already in place. Additionally, as you have witnessed, it has allowed us to sign new ones.”
Tuggar also emphasised that the relationship between both countries dates back to the era of the fight for Africa’s emancipation.
He noted that Cuba and Nigeria share a common culture and traditions.
“Cuba is a country with a special place in Nigeria, stretching back into history. What we share in terms of experience, culture, and tradition is something we hold dear to our hearts.
“Even before the existence of both nations in the shapes and forms we know today, it is possible there were people from this part of the world who featured prominently in the formation of what was to become Cuba. Historical accounts suggest that when Diego Velázquez supposedly conquered Cuba in 1511, black people were part of his company. Contemporary history may not fully recognise these facts, but they were there, even under circumstances that were perhaps not of their choosing.”
Tuggar added, “Cuba played a prominent role in the liberation of the African continent, aiding countries under racist regimes from the 1960s through to the 1980s and, arguably, the early 1990s. Nigeria, alongside the frontline states, also played a significant role during this time.
“We share a common affinity beyond culture—particularly Yoruba culture, as well as the Shakiri and other Nigerian cultures—which still feature prominently in Cuban music, cuisine, and more.”
Rodriguez Parrilla, visiting Nigeria for the second time, affirmed Cuba’s readiness to explore the potential for enhancing bilateral relations between the two countries.
He pledged Cuba’s full commitment to strengthening ties with Nigeria.
“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.”
He further remarked, “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.”
The visiting minister noted that his visit to Abuja was, firstly, to express his country’s “profound appreciation and gratitude for Nigeria’s contributions to Cuban culture and heritage, as well as its stance on the embargo against Cuba.”
“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.”
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