Havana, Feb 22 (Prensa Latina) The Japanese ambassador to Cuba, Nakamura Kazuhito, highlighted in this capital the good state of relations that the two nations exhibit today in different sectors.

Cuba and Japan have an extraordinary relationship, which transcends cultural borders and constitutes a pillar for our nations.

Therefore, we anticipate a greater level of understanding in the near future, Nakamura emphasized during the celebrations for the 65th anniversary of Emperor Naruhito of Japan.

The diplomat recalled the year 2016 as a milestone in diplomatic relations, with the visit to Japan by the then first vice president of Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, as well as the trip to Havana by the then Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe. Nakamura also highlighted that the establishment of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) office in Cuba represents the commitment to strengthen cooperation in essential sectors.

These exchanges are already bearing fruit thanks to projects for the delivery of medical equipment, garbage collection trucks, tractors for the agricultural sector and electrical stabilization systems, among others, the Japanese ambassador explained.

He added that in technical cooperation, two master plans stand out in the transport and renewable energy sectors, in addition to hospital digitalization projects and agricultural extension systems, as a result of the contribution between each ministry of the Cuban government and JICA.

Nakamura also highlighted the role of the community of Japanese descendants in Cuba, which has worked selflessly to build a bridge between the two nations, being a great support for Japanese diplomatic policy.

Although he acknowledged that bilateral trade and investment levels had declined compared to the records of the 1960s and 1970s, he said that just as there are stormy days, sunny days will also return.

Let us remember that the seeds planted by our ancestors became roots that remain strong, so I am confident that we will have a productive harvest, said the head of Japanese diplomacy in Cuba.

Cuba and Japan established diplomatic relations on December 21, 1929, and although they were temporarily suspended during World War II, they were resumed on November 21, 1952 and have remained uninterrupted to date.

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Havana, Feb 22 (Prensa Latina) Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel today thanked China for its willingness to continue collaborating with the Caribbean nation in key sectors such as energy and food production.

In a meeting held in Havana with the Director General for Latin America and the Caribbean of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of that Asian country, Zhang Run, the Cuban head of state recognized the sensitivity and support of President Xi Jinping.

In describing this contact on his profile on social network X, Díaz-Canel reported that he conveyed to Xi the invitation to visit Cuba, which – he noted – will be an event of great significance for our people.

In the 65th year of the establishment of relations, we can say that these ties are excellent, he added in his message.

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Havana, Feb 21 (RHC) The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cuba, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, conveyed the island’s willingness to advance bilateral collaboration, at a meeting in Vientiane with the Prime Minister of Laos, Sonexay Siphandone.

At the meeting, Rodríguez discussed the potential for expanding collaboration between both countries in areas such as agriculture, biotechnology, the biopharmaceutical industry, healthcare, education, and sports.

During his second and final day of his official visit to Laos, he also met with his counterpart, Thongsavanah Phomvihane.

Both reached a consensus on the potential for advancing bilateral cooperation through mutual trust and the successful collaboration already established in various fields.

Upon his arrival in Vientiane, the Cuban Foreign Minister was greeted by President Thongloun Sisoulith, whom he reiterated the importance that Cuba attaches to strengthening relations with the South Asian nation.

In turn, President Sisoulith stated that Laos and Cuba are strategic allies and close friends, with a rich history of successful cooperation, thanks to their constant coordination, communication, and mutual assistance in regional and global affairs.

The two sides expressed their commitment to fostering and enhancing economic, commercial, and political ties, as well as further expanding their collaboration in areas with potential, including human resource development, education, sports, public health, and agriculture.

Also on Thursday, the chief of Cuban diplomacy paid a visit to the Kaysone Phomvihane Museum, which honors the founder of the Popular Revolutionary Party of Laos, and presented a floral tribute.

The official visit to Laos was part of a broader tour that included stops in Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam.

As part of this tour, the diplomat will also attend the 58th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, which will begin on February 24 in Geneva. (Source: Prensa Latina)

Havana, Feb 21 (RHC) The exhibition Cultural bridges: East-West dialogue has been inaugurated at the José Martí National Library of Cuba, marking the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations with China.

As part of the 15th Havana Biennial, the exhibition features 31 pieces by Chinese visual artists Ma Liang, Zhang Lanpo, Shen Zhonghai, and Guo Liweim, selected and curated by experts Miguel Sazatornil and Sun Yong Kang.

The Chinese ambassador in Havana, Hua Xin, expressed gratitude to the National Library, the National Council of Plastic Arts, and the Havana Biennial for their assistance in organizing this exhibition.

He emphasized that these works not only bring eastern elements to the Biennial, but also brings new life into cultural exchanges and the strengthening of the bonds between Cuba and China.

They also serve to showcase a portion of China’s cultural legacy, its distinctive features, and its contemporary art.

In this regard, the representative of the Shanghai Foreign Cultural Exchange Association, Zhu Liangbiao, emphasized that the works of these four Chinese artists showcase the diversity and intercultural exchange, and serve as a bridge of friendship between China and the world.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1960, these ties have been consolidated in all domains, and events such as this exhibition have provided an opportunity for both nations to admire each other’s artistic and creative abilities.  (Source: Prensa Latina)