Maldives have expressed interest in increasing trade and investment with Cuba. The statement was made during the courtesy call by the Non-Resident Ambassador of Cuba to the Maldives Juana Elena Ramos Rodríguez on President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
During the call held at the President’s Office, President Solih expressed sincere gratitude for the assistance Cuba has provided to Maldives, especially in the health sector. He further expressed his interest in increasing trade and investment between Cuba and the Maldives; enhancing development collaboration; and also increasing the possibility of increasing scholarship opportunities for Maldivian students to complete their higher education in Cuban institutions.
The president highlighted some of the shared challenges faced by Maldives and Cuba, especially with regard to the dangers emanating from climate change.
Concluding the meeting, ambassador expressed her optimism that future years will witness strengthened cooperation on issues of mutual importance.
Furthermore, the Cuban ambassador paid a courtesy call on Vice President Faisal Naseem.
During the call held at the President’s Office, the vice president welcomed the ambassador and expressed good wishes to the government and the people of Cuba. Expressing gratitude for Cuba’s continuous support to the Maldives, the vice president shed light on the existing strong relations between the two countries, and spoke of working together to enhance collaboration in areas of mutual benefit to both countries; especially in the areas of tourism and health.
The Cuban ambassador noted that the government of Cuba looked forward to working closely with the new administration of Maldives on matters of mutual concern such as climate change. She also assured continuous support and assistance to the Maldives, noting helping bilateral friends is a crucial part of Cuban international relations.
The ambassador also paid a courtesy call on Foreign Secretary Abdulla Khaleel and discussed areas of cooperation between the two countries, especially in the fields of education and health.