Fiji Signs Historic Agreement With Cuba

Fiji and Cuba have today signed a historic agreement that will see the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Fiji’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Kaliopate Tavola signed the agreement with his counterpart from Cuba, Ricardo Cabrisas.

According to Mr. Tavola, the Agreement signed today is an Agreement in Principle that will see diplomatic relations between the two countries established at the Ambassadorial level.

He assured Mr. Cabrisas that Fiji will now work towards the ratification of the Agreement.

“We intend to submit to Cabinet the ratification of this Agreement as well as its extension to other levels, as soon as possible,” Mr. Tavola said.

He added that it was logical for both countries to take this step since they are both part of the African Caribbean Pacific (ACP) group of countries.

“We are happy to concretise this relationship in this Agreement today.”

Mr. Cabrisas said the signing today is significant since it comes at the close of the 3rd ACP Leaders Summit at Denarau Nadi.

“This is a concrete sign of the unity and solidarity that the ACP group has pledged to emphasize,” Mr. Cabrisas said.

He highlighted the meetings he has had with Health Minister Pita Nacuva and Agriculture Minister Jonetani Galuinadi, saying these meetings have highlighted the possibility of Cuban assistance to Fiji in the areas of heath, agriculture, sports development and development of human resources.

Mr. Cabrisas also thanked Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase in personally accepting President Fidel Castro’s message.

He also invited Minister Tavola to Cuba on a reciprocal visit.