Havana, November 7 (RHC/ACN)-- Niger’s Foreign Minister, Ibrahim Yacoubou, said that the opening of his country's embassy in the Cuban capital is an example of the desire of both countries to strengthen the friendship that unites the peoples of Cuba and the African nation.
 
The green, white and orange flag was raised at the new embassy in Havana with the presence of Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez, the delegation accompanying Niger’s Foreign Minister’s official visit to Havana, representatives of the diplomatic corps and other guests.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation, African Integration and Nigerians Living Abroad recalled that 41 years ago both nations established diplomatic relations and 25 years ago the two countries signed a cooperation accord that allowed broadening ties in different areas.
 
He stressed that the Cuban medical presence in Niger has allowed not only improving the health of the population but also the training and specialization of its professionals.
 
Yacoubou affirmed that both nations have advanced its academic cooperation and expressed that each year many Nigerien students are admitted in the prestigious Latin American School of Medicine in Havana.
 
The top African diplomat said that he is convinced that cooperation between Cuba and Niger will continue to grow in other sectors, like mining, agriculture, cattle and energy.
 
He highlighted the similarities of both nations as members of the Group of 77 and the Movement of Non Aligned Countries.  He added that both countries will continue to strengthen ties between its governments and reiterated that Niger will continue supporting the Caribbean island and its struggle to end the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States.