Prior to the commencement of the G77+China Leaders’ Summit on Friday, Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed the Bola Tinubu administration’s desire to enhance the existing bilateral relations with the Republic of Cuba.
Shettima conveyed this during his meeting with Cuban counterpart Salvador Valdez Mesa at the Palace De Revolution in Havana.
Olusola Abiola, the State House Director of Information for the Office of the Vice President, made this announcement in a statement signed on Tuesday, titled ‘G77+China Leaders’ Summit: Nigeria, Cuba to deepen strategic relations.’
In the statement, Shettima acknowledged the historically strong relations between Nigeria, Africa, and Cuba, especially Cuba’s support for Southern Africa.
He emphasized the importance of exploring opportunities in Science, Technology, Innovation, and the agriculture sector.
Shettima also conveyed a special message from President Bola Tinubu to President Miguel Diaz-Canel, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening mutual relations.
Read Also: Illegal mining cause of terrorism in Nigeria, says DHQ
Cuba’s Vice President, Mesa, commended Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa and the world.
He highlighted Cuba’s serious approach to its relations with Nigeria, emphasizing its historical support for Africa.
Mesa expressed readiness to collaborate with Nigeria in areas like health, biodiversity, and agriculture, and thanked Nigeria for its participation in the upcoming Summit.
The Havana Summit, hosted by President Miguel Díaz-Canel, Chairman of the G77 and China, focuses on “Current Development Challenges: The Role of Science, Technology, and Innovation.”
Accompanying the Vice President were Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development; Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology; Adamu Lamuwa, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Nigeria’s Ambassador to Cuba, Ben Okoyen, among others.