Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs – H.E. Rogelio Sierra Diaz
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cuba, H.E. Rogelio Sierra Diaz, and his official delegation visited Kuwait recently and held wide-ranging discussions with government of Kuwait officials.
The visit coincided with the 40th anniversary of Kuwaiti-Cuban cooperation. On conclusion of his visit Deputy Minister Rogelio Diaz reiterated the excellent relations with Kuwait and said that he was very happy to be here and meet his Kuwaiti counterparts.
In his meetings with Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Khalid Suleiman Al-Jarallah, the two sides expressed interest in further strengthening relations between the two countries and increasing cooperation particularly in areas of health and sport.
Cuban Deputy Minister also updated his Kuwaiti counterpart on the advantages of the new Foreign Investment Law, recently approved by the Cuban Parliament and the Mariel Special Development Zone (ZEDM). The project is expected to increase foreign investment to Cuba considerably and bring about structural changes to the regional economy. At the core of the ZEDM is a $900 million container terminal, which is eventually expected to be at the forefront of shipping hubs in the region, especially with the widening of the Panama Canal expected to be completed in 2015.
Kuwaiti entrepreneurs and businesses will find the strategic location of the zone especially attractive as it will give them direct access to the large markets in South and Central America as well as to the wide grouping of Caribbean nations.
Both authorities also exchanged viewpoints on regional and international issues from Middle East, Latin America and the Caribbean.
An agreement for the Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investments was signed prior to the meeting between the two dignitaries.
Deputy Minister Rogelio Diaz also held discussions with Minister of Health Dr. Ali Al-Obaidi on ways to develop bilateral relations and strengthen cooperation prospects in the area of health.
A number of health topics of common interest, notably cooperation in areas of ophthalmology, diabetic foot treatment, and primary health care were discussed. Cuba has a long experience in these fields, and Kuwait could benefit from the Cuban expertise.
The Kuwaiti-Cuban discussions also included ways to boost health cooperation through the exchange of expertise, and formation of committees to overcome potential difficulties at all levels.
Currently more than 40,000 trained Cuban doctors work in South America and Cuban doctors are renowned for their specialized medical qualifications.
Ambassador of Cuba Andres Gonzalez Garrido hosted a reception in honor of Deputy Foreign Minister H.E. Rogelio Sierra Diaz. The reception was attended by local dignitaries and media.