NASSAU, Bahamas – The Commonwealth of The Bahamas and the Republic of Cuba celebrated the 35th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries based on respect and understanding on Tuesday.
During a reception marking the historic event at the Harbourside Resort on Paradise Island, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs the Hon Branville McCartney said it was a “testimony to the deepening and maturing” of Bahamas-Cuba relations.
The Bahamas and Cuba officially established diplomatic relations on November 30, 1974, and over the years have concluded a number of agreements beneficial to both countries.
“Bahamas-Cuba relations, equally, augur well for higher heights of mutual benefit as we tap each others’ proven strengths and values. Joint problem-solving is at the genesis of our formal establishment of diplomatic relations,” Mr McCartney said.
He noted that the two countries have signed a series of agreements and Memoranda of Understanding, and established Consulates General and later embassies in Havana and Nassau.
The agreements include: The Basic Agreement on Technical and Economic Cooperation (2009); the Agreement on the Transfer of People Sentenced (2001); and the Cooperation in Combating Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (1996); and an Agreement between the Olympic Committees of both countries.
“These agreements also evidence the rich diversity in our relations in scholarships, medical services, language teachers, air services, tourism, public/private sector contacts and trade; as well as the challenges still to be overcome in such areas as drug trafficking, migration, and maritime delimitation,” Mr McCartney said.
In August, 2003, the first cooperation agreement was signed between the Ministries of Education of Cuba and The Bahamas, which provided for 79 specialists to teach for a period between two to four years in 25 government senior and junior high schools. A number of Bahamian students have graduated from Cuban institutions in medicine, economics and engineering. Approximately 400 Bahamians have benefited from the eye programme.
His Excellency Jose Luis Ponce, Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to The Bahamas, also recognised the strides both countries have made since the establishment of diplomatic relations.
“We can say that The Bahamas and Cuba maintain diplomatic relations based on respect, consideration and good understanding.
“The Bahamian people have always been considered by the Cubans as brothers and sisters, being representatives of the socio-cultural diversity that characterises the Caribbean that unites us,” the Ambassador said.
Trade between both countries amounts to $4 million annually. The Bahamas is the eighth largest trading partner of Cuba in the region.
“The recent visit to Cuba by members of The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce to the Havana Trade Fair, 2009, and the commitment to sign, shortly, a Memorandum of Understanding with the Chamber of Commerce of Cuba, are examples of the will that exists between the two countries to increase our trade relations. We must make special efforts to strengthen our common trade,” the ambassador said.
December 8, 2009, also marked CARICOM-Cuba Day, in recognition of cooperation among Heads of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) since 2002. This forum provides more opportunities for regional integration and mutually beneficial cooperation. The fourth high-level meeting of this forum is scheduled for 2011 in Cuba.
