New Zealand has signed a cooperation arrangement with Cuba, to support Cuban medical assistance in the Pacific islands.
The document was signed on February 13, by Craig Hawke, Acting Chief Executive of the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ambassador of Cuba, Maria del Carmen Herrera Caseiro.
Both countries described the agreement as an important step in the sustained engagement of relations between the two.
Hawke expressed satisfaction and stressed the importance of Pacific islands, to New Zealand. He acknowledged the Cuban medical collaboration in the region, in the field of healthcare.
He welcomed the joint cooperation in the area for the benefit of Pacific islands.
The Cuban diplomat described the agreement as a milestone in the improving bilateral ties and mentioned the reciprocal visits of the two foreign ministers. She also highlighted the progress being made in bilateral cooperation. And reaffirmed the willingness to deepen the cooperation through joint initiatives and support programs in the Caribbean region.
According to the website of Cuba’s Foreign Ministry, Caseiro noted that the official dialogue between New Zealand and Cuba, followed by exchange of views on topics of mutual interest has seen significant developments.
The Cuban ambassador said: “The signing of this arrangement constitutes a concrete and tangible result of the interest and both parts are strengthening the relations of cooperation and friendship in a convincing commitment to support sustainable development in the Pacific region.”
