Rodriguez Parrilla made the statement during a meeting with directors of the Friendship Association, Malaysian graduates in Cuba, and representatives of the business, academic, and cultural sectors, whom he also praised for their efforts to promote relations with the island.

The Cuban foreign minister is on his first official visit to Malaysia, where he held talks with his counterpart, Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.

During the dialogue, Rodriguez Parrilla expressed to his host Cuba’s greatest willingness to elevate political, economic-commercial, and cooperation relations to a higher and mutually beneficial level.

An official statement from the Malaysian Foreign Ministry noted the talks focused on improving economic cooperation and bilateral trade in health, education, and tourism.

The report, outlined by the Bernama news agency, indicated that Cuba is for Malaysia a significant potential market for rubber and palm oil, as well as for boosting cooperation in the food-processing sector.

According to the release, Cuba’s participation in Malaysia’s technical cooperation program reflects the close rapprochement between the two countries.

On the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, Malaysia announced that it will offer Cuba scholarships for master’s studies, and may develop halal products on the island.

Rodriguez Parrilla also met with Wong Chen, Chairman of the International Relations and Trade Select Committee, with whom he highlighted the historic ties of friendship between the two countries, which are commemorating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

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