-ABUJA — Nigeria has reaffirmed its support for Cuba and pledged to deepen bilateral cooperation across key sectors, including healthcare, education, biotechnology, agriculture and food security.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, gave the assurance during a meeting with the Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria, Her Excellency Miriam Morales Palmero, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.
«“Nigeria remains committed to strengthening its longstanding bilateral relations with Cuba and sustaining cooperation at both bilateral and multilateral levels,” Enikanolaiye said.»
The meeting reviewed the current state of Nigeria-Cuba relations and explored opportunities for expanded technical collaboration, particularly in sectors critical to economic development and human capital growth.
Ambassador Palmero congratulated the minister on his appointment and reaffirmed Cuba’s readiness to strengthen its historic partnership with Nigeria. She highlighted ongoing bilateral initiatives, including the implementation of a Memorandum of Understanding on education and efforts to finalise an agreement on Cuba’s food and nutrition programme.
“Cuba remains committed to expanding its historic partnership with Nigeria,” she said.
She also pointed to discussions on potential collaboration in vaccine production and biotechnology through partnerships involving Nigerian private sector investors.
On multilateral issues, the Cuban envoy expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s consistent support for the United Nations General Assembly resolution calling for an end to the economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba.
She briefed the minister on the humanitarian and economic challenges facing Cuba and appealed for Nigeria’s continued backing within the United Nations system.
Responding, Enikanolaiye reaffirmed Nigeria’s longstanding diplomatic position, stressing that disputes between nations should be resolved through dialogue, mutual respect and adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter.
“Nigeria’s position remains consistent with that of the African Union and its enduring commitment to peaceful coexistence and multilateral cooperation,” he stated.
The minister also welcomed ongoing cooperation in education, healthcare and agriculture, expressing confidence that both countries would continue to strengthen technical partnerships for mutual benefit.
Both sides concluded the meeting by reaffirming their commitment to deepening bilateral relations, expanding cooperation in priority sectors and sustaining collaboration on regional and multilateral issues of common interest.
