With the G77+China Leaders’ Summit just around the corner, Vice President Kashim Shettima said that the Bola Tinubu administration’s aspiration is to further solidify the existing bilateral relations with the Republic of Cuba.
‘Our relationship has been very excellent over the years and this relation needs to be strengthened and upscaled,’ Shettima told his Cuban counterpart Salvador Valdez Mesa at the Palace De Revolution in Havana.
The statement is titled ‘G77+China Leaders’ Summit: Nigeria, Cuba to deepen strategic relations.’
Olusola Abiola, the Director of Information at the State House under the Office of the Vice President, made this disclosure in a statement he signed on Tuesday.
Reflecting on the historical context of relations between Nigeria, Africa, and Cuba, Vice President Shettima highlighted Cuba’s significant contributions, especially its support for Southern Africa. He said ‘We hold Cuba in high esteem especially your commitment to us in Africa…this is why I came with Ministers of Agriculture and that of Science, Technology and Innovation to explore future areas of partnership.’
The Vice President underscored the importance of venturing into Science, Technology, and Innovation, as well as the agricultural sector, to seize opportunities.
He passed on a message from President Bola Tinubu to Cuba’s President, Miguel Diaz-Canel, assuring him of the former’s steadfast commitment to enhancing their shared relations.
Read also: VP Shettima Departs Nigeria For G77 Summit In Cuba
In his statement, the Vice President of Cuba commended Nigeria for its influential role in leadership within Africa and on the international stage.
Mesa stated that Cuba regards its relationship with Nigeria as a matter of utmost significance, underscoring that Cuba’s historical support to Africa is based on its self-perception as an African nation.
He expressed his country’s eagerness to explore new dimensions of collaboration with Nigeria, particularly in fields such as health, biodiversity conservation, and agriculture. He also expressed gratitude to Nigeria for its involvement in the upcoming Summit, saying ‘We attach great importance to your presence here.’
The Havana Summit, with the theme: ‘Current Development Challenges: The Role of Science, Technology and Innovation.’ is being presided over by the President of the Republic of Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel, in his role as Chairman of the G77 and China.
Among the attendees accompanying the Vice President were Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development; Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology; Adamu Lamuwa, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Nigeria’s Ambassador to Cuba, Ben Okoyen, among others.