Cuban Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs. Photo: Ethiopian News Agency
Addis Ababa, July 31 (RHC) Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Elio E. Rodriguez Perdomo highlighted the historic ties between Cuba and Ethiopia, while expressing admiration for Ethiopia's economic progress and outlining plans for further cooperation.
In an exclusive interview with ENA, the Deputy Foreign Minister praised Ethiopia's economic progress, noting that "Ethiopia is one of the 5 most important economies in Africa".
He also expressed Cuba's appreciation for the efforts of the Ethiopian authorities to develop the country and offered Cuba's support, especially in terms of human resources.
Looking to the future, Rodriguez Perdomo described several areas of potential cooperation, including water resources management, health care, especially in expanding cooperation in primary care systems, professional training, and joint research and trade relations that would expand commercial partnerships and promote investment.
The Cuban diplomat also mentioned ongoing efforts to facilitate exchanges between the two countries, including work on a visa waiver agreement for official service and diplomatic passports.
During his visit, Rodriguez Perdomo met with Ethiopia's Foreign Minister and described the dialogue as "fruitful and useful". The meeting culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Political Consultations between the two ministries, which will allow for high-level exchanges and assessments of bilateral relations.
Acknowledging the longstanding relationship between the two nations, Rodriguez Perdomo recalled Cuba's past support for Ethiopia's territorial integrity. He mentioned a recent visit to a monument honoring fallen Cuban internationalists.
Rodriguez Perdomo concluded by expressing Cuba's commitment to strengthen relations with Ethiopia in various fields.
Ambassador Mesganu welcomed the Cuban delegation and stressed the need to implement existing bilateral agreements in areas such as water management, education, air transport and trade. He also encouraged further cooperation in health care and sugar production.
Rodriguez Perdomo welcomed the recent reopening of the Ethiopian Embassy in Havana and reiterated Cuba's commitment to strengthening ties.
Both sides recognized the potential for further cooperation and the importance of solidarity in addressing global challenges.
The Deputy Foreign Minister's visit to Ethiopia also included participation in the first meeting of the Preparatory Committee for the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, which was held in Addis Ababa last week.
The signing of the Bilateral Political Consultative Agreement is a concrete step toward realizing these shared aspirations and fostering a stronger partnership between Cuba and Ethiopia, and as Ethiopia continues its economic growth and increases its global influence, particularly through its recent inclusion in BRICS, Cuba sees great potential in deepening its historic friendship with this key African nation. (Ethiopian News Agency)
