These ties were boosted during a visit by guerrilla Commander Ernesto Che Guevara in July 1959, a few months after the Triumph of the Cuban Revolution, to former Ceylon, as part of a tour indicated by Fidel Castro to the signatory countries of the Bandung Pact, Indonesia, in 1955, resulting from a meeting of progressive States from Asia and Africa with guests Latin American nations.
On Tuesday, the Foreign Ministry and local media from Sri Lanka reproduced in full the note from the recent meeting on the occasion of the anniversary between Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel and Ambassador to Havana Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne.
During the meeting, the Cuban president expressed his willingness to broaden and strengthen ties with Sri Lanka, according to sources from Colombo.
Diaz-Canel appreciated Sri Lanka’s donation to Cuba of 150 seeds of coconut varieties and requested the support of experts to develop the coconut industry in the Caribbean nation.
It is worth noting that the world coconut market is expected to reach an estimated eight billion dollars by 2030, and to grow at a rate of 8.4 percent from 2023 to 2030, according to experts.
Furthermore, this fruit is surprising for its versatility, since besides being used as foodstuff, its uses in medicine, livestock, agriculture and handicrafts, among other sectors, are well known.
On the other hand, Diaz Canel recalled a visit paid to Cuba by his counterpart, Ranil Wickremesinghe, to attend the Summit of the Group of 77+China, and praised ‘the flourishing friendly relationship between the two countries.’
Meanwhile, Ambassador Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne conveyed warm greetings from the Sri Lankan leader and the government, and expressed his country’s gratitude for the timely medical assistance provided by Cuba during the tsunami and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The diplomat also appreciated the fully funded scholarships granted to medical students that the Cuban government awards to Sri Lankan students every year.
He further stated that although Sri Lanka and Cuba are geographically distant, the strong ties that exist between the two countries bring the two governments and peoples together.
Ulugetenne confirmed Sri Lanka’s interest in developing trade with Cuba and about steps in that direction in the tourism sector.
He also talked about a meet he had with CubaPharma, a governmental pharmaceutical research institution, and assured him that he will do everything possible to further strengthen trade and bilateral relations.
According to Sri Lanka, the meeting was very cordial and productive.
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