Ahead of the G77+China Leaders’ Summit commencing Friday, Vice President Shettima said that the Tinubu administration wants to strengthen ties with the Republic of Cuba.
“Our relationship has been very excellent over the years and this relation needs to be strengthened and upscaled,” Shettima conveyed this message to his Cuban counterpart, Salvador Valdez Mesa, at the Palace De Revolution in Havana.
The State House Director of Information, Office of the Vice President, Olusola Abiola, released a statement on Tuesday revealing this information.
The statement is titled ‘G77+China Leaders’ Summit: Nigeria, Cuba to deepen strategic relations.’
Shettima highlighted the long history of relations between Nigeria, Africa, and Cuba, particularly Cuba’s support for Southern Africa, saying: “We hold Cuba in high esteem especially your commitment to us in Africa…this is why I came with Ministers of Agriculture and that of Science, Technology and Innovation to explore future areas of partnership.”
Shettima emphasized the importance of cooperation in science, technology, innovation, and agriculture. He also delivered a special message from President Tinubu to President Diaz-Canel, reaffirming Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening ties between the two countries.
During his comments, Cuba’s Vice President commended Nigeria for its leadership role in Africa and on the global stage.
Mesa emphasized that Cuba holds its relationship with Nigeria in high regard, highlighting that their support for Africa over the past decades stems from Cuba’s self-identification as an African State.
He conveyed his nation’s eagerness to venture into fresh avenues of partnership with Nigeria, particularly in domains like health, biodiversity, and agriculture. Additionally, he extended gratitude to Nigeria for its involvement in the forthcoming Summit, stating, “We attach great importance to your presence here.”
”The Havana Summit is being hosted by the President of the Republic of Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel in his capacity as Chairman of the G77 and China, under the theme: “Current Development Challenges: The Role of Science, Technology and Innovation.”
Shettima’s delegation included Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Uche Nnaji, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Adamu Lamuwa, and Nigeria’s Ambassador to Cuba Ben Okoyen, among others.