Cuban Embassy opens in Papua New Guinea

Cuban Flag / Wikicommons 

One more country has opened its office in Papua New Guinea to foster a better relationship between Cuba and PNG and the Pacific.

Papua New Guinea this week officially welcomed new ambassador of Cuba to PNG Jose Manuel Galego Montano in a very small but significant ceremony.

Acting Governor General Thoedore Zurenuoc said Papua New Guinea is fully aware of Cuba’s continued efforts in providing medical aid to the Pacific and the government is keen to cooperate with Cuba in areas such as education, health, sports, technology, climate change and many more.

Ambassador Galego in his speech said Cuba was ready to work harder and contribute more towards our relationship so that both our countries can continue to prosper.

“We should and will establish an exemplary cooperation between our countries,” he said.

“Cuba and PNG are building extraordinary links between brothers and sisters of countries in the Pacific Region. I hope that our harmonious and cooperative relations will inspire other countries to reach out to their neighbours and help each other develop.

“Cuba is ready to work harder and contribute more towards our relationship so that both our countries can continue to prosper. We should and will establish an exemplary cooperation between our countries.

“I am here to contribute with all my heart, and to put my best effort into creating a new chapter of bilateral relations in order to benefit all of our people. I am here with an open heart and open mind to hear all of your initiatives and ideas for a better relationship between Cuba and PNG, so that we can continue to work together to improve industries such as education, health, new medicines, technology, sports, disaster prevention, industrialization, and many more.

“In particular, I hope you the Governor General, your Prime Minister; the Minister for Foreign Affairs and other ministers will have the chance to visit my country soon, in order to further enhance our special relationship. Cuba will continue fighting with and for our brothers and sisters in the Pacific region, and for the development of an even better world.

“We will continue our great friendship with the Government and the friendly people of Papua New Guinea,” he said.

“I express our gratitude for your country’s continued association and support to the Pacific Islands Forum through the Post Forum Dialogue process. The PIF is an important regional organization and its members collectively support the partnership with Cuba in achieving some of the development issues in the region,” Mr Zurenuoc said. We are very grateful to receive you in Papua New Guinea and we look forward to enhancing and furthering the already good bilateral relations that exists between Papua New Guinea and Cuba. Papua New Guinea is an island country with diverse people and cultures much like Cuba and as such both countries face similar development challenges,” he said.