During a ceremony to celebrate the 53rd anniversary of the founding of the UAE as a country, the head of mission recalled the visit in November 2023 of President Miguel Diaz-Canel to the UAE, the first by a Cuban dignitary, followed by that of Prime Minister Manuel Marrero in February this year, which strengthened bilateral ties.

He noted that since last year, more than 10 agreements and memorandums of understanding have been signed between the UAE and Cuba to diversify and expand ties in different fields.

Cuba’s rich culture, its dedication to education and health, and international solidarity serve as an inspiring example for all, Albaaki asserted. “Together we have created the basis for boosting our bilateral relations, increasing high-level official visits and exchanges between both sides to develop projects and initiatives of important social impact¨, the ambassador noted in his speech.

He explained that the cooperation programs with the island are aimed at supporting food sustainability and renewable energy projects that are crucial during these difficult times Cuba is going through as it faces a national energy crisis.

The ambassador noted that in recent years the UAE has been fostering ties with the Caribbean in areas such as diplomacy, trade and investment, while through the Caribbean Renewable Energy Fund and the Pacific Partnership Fund it is implementing two projects to support island states in developing their transition to clean energy.

He stressed that UAE National Day not only marks the union of the seven emirates, ‘but also symbolizes the strength, unity and progress achieved together since December 2, 1971’.

The diverse Cuban representation was headed by Deputy Foreign Minister Josefina Vidal and the president of the National Institute of Hydraulic Resources, Antonio Rodriguez.

Omar Shehadeh, Emirati Foreign Ministry envoy for the Caribbean and Pacific States, traveled to Havana for the occasion as a guest of the Emirates.

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