Johannesburg: Deputy President Paul Mashatile on Friday received a courtesy visit in Johannesburg from the Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to South Africa, Fakri Rodrguez Pinelo. The meeting underscored the ongoing commitment to fostering the longstanding relationship between the two nations.
According to South African Government News Agency, the Presidency highlighted that the courtesy call reaffirmed the historically friendly ties between the governments and peoples of South Africa and Cuba. It emphasized Cuba's willingness to continue deepening bilateral relations for the mutual benefit of both countries. Discussions focused on the strong historical ties between South Africa and Cuba, rooted in Cuba's support for South Africa's liberation struggle and shared values such as sovereignty, multilateralism, respect for international law, peace, and South-South cooperation.
Deputy President Mashatile stated, "We are committed to sustaining and strengthening this cooperation for the mutual benefit of our peoples," acknowledging the wide-ranging areas of bilateral cooperation. He welcomed the enduring partnership between the two countries in fields such as health, education, infrastructure development, water and sanitation, science and innovation, as well as sport, arts, and cultural exchange. These areas remain strategic priorities for both nations.
The Deputy President expressed anticipation for the upcoming 19th Session of the South Africa-Cuba Joint Consultative Mechanism (JCM) scheduled for later this year. Furthermore, he reaffirmed South Africa's enduring solidarity with Cuba, advocating for the lifting of the US embargo and unilateral coercive measures against Cuba, which have led to significant humanitarian and socio-economic challenges for the Cuban people.