On December 6 and 7, Ambassador Ismara Vargas visited Glasgow to promote academic, cultural and solidarity initiatives between the two cities. The visit was marked by meaningful engagements that underscored the strong and enduring relationship between Havana and Glasgow, twin cities since 2002.
The day began with a warm welcome at the University of Glasgow, where the Ambassador toured the campus, which was in the midst of graduation ceremonies. A networking lunch followed, bringing together university colleagues from a wide range of disciplines - from parasitology to musicology, urban studies to film studies, history to sustainable energy. This meeting demonstrated the enthusiasm for deepening academic collaboration, with participants exploring the immense potential for joint projects in the sciences, arts, and humanities.
The highlight of the university visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the University of Havana and the University of Glasgow. Principal Anton Muscatelli signed the agreement on behalf of the University of Glasgow, along with Deputy Vice-Chancellor for External Engagement, Rachel Sandison. This landmark agreement establishes a framework for collaborative research, faculty exchange and student mobility, strengthening the long-standing academic partnership between the two institutions.
In the afternoon, the Cuban delegation met with the Lord Provost of Glasgow, Jacqueline McLaren, at the City Chambers. Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between Glasgow and Havana, building on two decades of twinning. Key topics included the continuing success of the Havana Glasgow Film Festival - which will celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2025 - and opportunities to expand cultural and civic exchanges.
The Lord Provost and the Ambassador also addressed the broader context of Cuba's challenges, including the extraterritorial effects of the U.S. blockade and its detrimental impact on Cuba's ability to foster international partnerships. They reaffirmed their shared commitment to solidarity and mutual respect in overcoming these obstacles.
On December 7, the Ambassador attended the UNISON Scotland Regional Meeting, where she spoke to trade union representatives about the serious challenges facing Cuba as a result of the U.S. blockade. She thanked the Scottish trade unions for their solidarity and stressed the importance of international support in the fight against these unjust measures.
This visit not only strengthened the academic and cultural ties between Glasgow and Havana, but also reaffirmed the cities' shared values of cooperation and solidarity. It was a promising step towards further strengthening these ties and expanding opportunities for joint initiatives in the years to come.
The Embassy of Cuba thanks the University of Glasgow, Lord Provost Jacqueline McLaren, UNISON Scotland and Dr. Helen Yaffe for their hospitality, support and commitment to making this visit a resounding success.