Abuja, September 7 (RHC)-- Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria Carlos Sosa said the Caribbean country would collaborate with the Nigerian government on research in medicine, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology.

Sosa made paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu on Wednesday in Abuja. He said that the two countries would share ideas in many areas of science and technology.

“Cuba will collaborate with Nigeria in the areas of training and exchange of innovations through technology and education, and create systems for both countries to share models,” he said.

The Nigerian official said the meeting was to strengthen existing cordial relations with Cuba toward diversifying national economy by using science and technology.

He said: “this is in line with the present Nigerian administration’s strategic plan, which is to add value on human resources through research and training, thereby gaining knowledge and be on the frontline of leading economies of the world.”

He said this way the country's economy would be redirected from resource-based to knowledge-based by getting Nigerians to become more productive on issues that will add value to the exploitation of the nation’s natural resources. 

The Nigerian minister of science and technology said that completion of Memorandum of Understanding between Cuba and Nigeria would help Nigeria to be able to acquire technology and innovation in key sectors of the economy.