PRESS RELEASE 02/04/07GH
Solomon Islands Deepens Ties With Cuba
Solomon Islands has deepen ties with the Republic of Cuba as it receives Cuba’s first ever Ambassador in Honiara today.
Ambassador Jorge Rey Jimenez presented his credentials to the Governor General His Excellency Sir Nathaniel Waena at the
Government House today.
Sir Nathaniel said the appointment of Ambassador Jorge opens a new chapter in the relationship between the two countries
which although was already footed on firm ground will flourish during the Ambassadors term.
He said the appointment of the Cuban diplomat also reflects the two government’s commitment to further strengthen and
promote close ties and mutual cooperation.
“A true manifestation of this is the recent formalization of the technical cooperation agreements which would pave the
way for Solomon Islanders to train in Cuba in the health sector and for Cuban medical brigades to serve in Solomon
Islands,” Sir Nathaniel said.
He said the bilateral arrangements will surely benefit the two countries in enhancing shared development aspirations and
goals for many years to come.
“Although Solomon Islands is a small developing nation, we do share the same concerns and uphold the same values as the
Republic of Cuba.
“Solomon Islands will continue to play its role to consistently strive to forge the financial, economic and commercial
freedom of Cuba from the cordon imposed by the United States of America,” Sir Nathaniel said.
Sir Nathaniel said Solomon Islands looks forward for a productive association with the Cuba Mission on matters of common
interests.
“Like yourselves, we have high hopes for the positive future of our bilateral relations and mutual cooperation,” he
said.
Ambassador Jorge said it is a high honor for Cuba to have the friendship and respect of the people and government of
Solomon Islands.
“Cuba appreciates and has a high regard for the courage of Solomon Islands for its consistent opposition to the
financial, economic and commercial blockade imposed against our nation by America,” he said.
Mr Jorge said the blockade is overwhelmingly condemned at the UN General Assembly by the International Community each
year.
The Cuban diplomat said he is committed to uplift the ties between the two countries during his diplomatic duty to
Solomon Islands.
“I certainly have high hopes for the promotion of our ties to reinforce our commitment to open new avenues for
cooperation and mutual beneficial bilateral agreements,” Ambassador Jorge said.
End