NIGERIA and Cuba on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to bolster bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
According to a communiqué by Kiemebi Ebienfa, acting spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja, the MoU was aimed at deepening bilateral relations between Nigeria and Cuba.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, and his Cuban counterpart, Bruno Parrilla, signed the agreement on the sideline of a visit by the latter to the ministry.
Tuggar commended the friendly ties that both countries enjoyed, saying they are established on mutual grounds.
According to him, Cuba holds a special place in Nigeria’s diplomatic and cultural history that is traceable to the colonial era.
Tuggar said: “Our shared cultural influences, particularly from the Yoruba and Itsekiri ethnic groups remain prominent in Cuba’s tradition, music and religious practices.
“Cuba played significant role in the liberation of African nations from colonial rule and apartheid regimes, much like Nigeria did during the struggle for independence across the continent.”
Earlier, Parrilla reassured Tuggar of Cuba’s readiness to deepen ties with Africa and Nigeria in particular, while acknowledging African heritage in Cuban society, saying the country prided in its African roots.
“When you say Cuba, you are also saying Africa; we recognise the immense contribution of African descendants to Cuba’s independence, economic development and cultural identity,” Parrilla said.
The Cuban minister further commended Nigeria’s position on global issues, especially the long-standing U.S. embargo on Cuba. Highpoint of the event was the commitment by both ministers to strengthen cooperation across various sectors, including trade, education, healthcare and cultural exchange. (NAN)
