Havana, 29 July 2025. - Today, the 18th Joint Consultative Mechanism between Cuba and South Africa was held at the headquarters of the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs, chaired by Cuba's First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gerardo Peñalver Portal, and South Africa's Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, His Excellency Mr. Alvin Botes.
During the meeting, the historical ties that unite both countries and the fruitful political dialogue maintained over the years were highlighted. The bilateral agenda was reviewed and the shared willingness to strengthen it in key areas such as economics and trade was reiterated. They also expressed their mutual interest in promoting and diversifying cooperation ties, which have focused mainly on sectors such as health, human resources training at different educational levels, infrastructure development and water resources.
Both nations reaffirmed their position in defence of the causes and interests of the peoples, especially those of the nations of the South, and in favour of the democratisation of the United Nations system.
The dialogue also addressed other relevant issues, such as the condemnation of genocide in Palestine, the lawsuit filed by South Africa against Israel before the International Court of Justice, which is supported by Cuba, and the rejection of the criminal blockade imposed by the United States government against the island.
Deputy Minister Botes, visiting the island, also was at the José Martí Memorial, where he laid a wreath before the statue of Cuba's National Hero and he also participated in the National Ceremony held in Ciego de Ávila to mark the 72nd anniversary of the assault on the Moncada and Carlos Manuel de Céspedes barracks.
(Cubaminrex-Cuban Embassy in South Africa)