Cuba and Kenya vow to strengthen ties as Ambassador meets Speaker Wetang’ula

𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟏𝟑𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓
𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬

Cuban Ambassador to Kenya, Ines Fors Fernandez, paid a courtesy visit to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Moses Wetang’ula, to reinforce the longstanding diplomatic relations between the two nations. 

As part of this effort, she advocated for the establishment of a Parliamentary Friendship Group to deepen bilateral cooperation.

During the meeting, Ambassador Fernandez reiterated Cuba’s commitment to fostering partnerships with Third World countries. Quoting a Cuban proverb, she remarked, “The footprints of people who walk together can never be erased.”

Speaker Wetang’ula acknowledged Cuba’s historical contributions to Africa’s liberation struggles, stating, “As far as we are concerned, Cuba is an African country. You stood with us in the liberation of Southern Africa—you fought alongside us in Angola, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. You are part of our history.”

Ambassador Fernandez, the first female Cuban envoy to Kenya, highlighted the enduring partnership between the two countries, spanning various sectors, including health, scientific research, agriculture, education, sports, and culture.

“We had 100 Cuban doctors assisting our counties with specialized care, and they did a remarkable job,” noted Speaker Wetang’ula.

As Kenya works towards providing affordable, accessible, and high-quality healthcare through a revamped national health scheme, it continues to look to Cuba’s successful model. 

Cuba’s emphasis on preventive, primary, and community-based care serves as a benchmark for addressing illnesses at their onset.

With an already established bilateral health cooperation, Speaker Wetang’ula urged Cuba to sustain its support in ensuring a healthy and productive population in Kenya through affordable and high-quality healthcare.

“We have medical assistance cooperation with 68 countries worldwide, and in some, we have Cuban-run hospitals,” Ambassador Fernandez stated.

Speaker Wetang’ula also called for increased collaboration in enhancing biotechnology systems and continued support for Kenyan students pursuing scholarships in critical fields such as medicine and biotechnology. “You have excelled in scientific research,” he acknowledged.

Additionally, the Ambassador expressed gratitude for Kenya’s support in advocating for an end to the U.S. economic, commercial, and financial embargo on Cuba. She admitted that while Cuba has yet to fully recover, “The situation remains tough.”

Speaker Wetang’ula responded, “Cuba stood with us when no one else would.”