The Nigerian Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has called for closer ties between Nigeria and Cuba, highlighting their shared history and solidarity in the fight against apartheid in Africa. This development comes as Akpabio received the Cuban Foreign Minister, Bruno Parrilla, at his office in Abuja, marking a significant step towards strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.
Akpabio emphasized that the visit was not only a diplomatic gesture but also a reaffirmation of the enduring bonds between Nigeria and Cuba. These bonds, he noted, were forged in the fire of history, strengthened by shared struggles, and sealed by an unyielding commitment to justice and sovereignty. The Senate President recalled Cuba’s past roles in Africa, noting that Nigeria remembers the great sacrifice Cuba made in supporting the continent’s fight against apartheid.
Cuba’s support for Africa during the apartheid era was a significant aspect of their shared history. Cuba sent troops to Angola and other African countries to fight against apartheid forces, demonstrating their commitment to the cause of liberation. This solidarity has created a lasting bond between Cuba and many African nations, including Nigeria.
Akpabio expressed Nigeria’s readiness to explore various areas of cooperation with Cuba, including:
– Healthcare: Cuba is renowned for its advances in medical science and healthcare. Nigeria can benefit from Cuba’s expertise in this area, particularly in the fight against diseases such as malaria and HIV/AIDS.
– Education: Cuba has a well-developed education system, and Nigeria can learn from their experiences. Collaborations in education can help improve Nigeria’s educational outcomes.
– Agriculture: Cuba has made significant strides in agricultural production, despite facing challenges such as the US embargo. Nigeria can benefit from Cuba’s expertise in sustainable agriculture and food production.
– Science and Technology: Cuba has a strong focus on science and technology, and Nigeria can collaborate with Cuba in areas such as biotechnology, renewable energy, and information technology.
The Cuban Foreign Minister, Bruno Parrilla, called for strengthening bilateral relations between Nigeria and Cuba, particularly in fields such as culture, education, scientific research, health, genetic engineering, and other areas of human endeavour. Parrilla expressed Cuba’s commitment to deepening its relationship with Nigeria, highlighting the potential benefits of cooperation in various sectors.
The visit by the Cuban Foreign Minister to Nigeria marks a significant step towards strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations. As Nigeria and Cuba explore areas of cooperation, they can draw on their shared history of solidarity and mutual support. By deepening their relationship, Nigeria and Cuba can work together to address common challenges and promote sustainable development.