Cairo, August 17, 2025. Cuban Ambassador to Egypt, Alexander Pellicer Moraga, granted an exclusive interview to Al Ahram Online newspaper, in which he reflected on the historic bilateral relations, praised Egypt's regional role and highlighted areas where cooperation could expand in the future.
The ambassador detailed both the legacy of solidarity between Havana and Cairo and the new opportunities he sees for expanding collaboration.
Al Ahram (The Pyramids) is the most important and influential newspaper in Egypt and one of the oldest in the Middle East.
The interview is reproduced in full below:
- Can you provide an overview of the historical ties and bilateral relations between Cuba and Egypt?
Cuba and Egypt have maintained historic relations of friendship and cooperation for more than 75 years. Egypt was the first Arab and African country to establish diplomatic relations with Cuba on September 5, 1949. Since that date, relations have been uninterrupted.
In all these years of relations, the close friendship established between Cuban leader Fidel Castro Ruz and Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser, two of the greatest statesmen of the 20th century, stands out.
Egypt and Cuba are two peace-loving countries and maintain a high degree of coincidence in their points of view on the main issues of the international agenda. Especially with regard to supporting the Palestinian people's cause to create their independent and sovereign state and live in peace.
Egypt has maintained its unconditional support for the Cuban resolution against the blockade imposed by the United States that is presented every year at the UN General Assembly. I would like to thank the Egyptian government for its solidarity with the Cuban people on this important issue for Cuba.
2. How do you assess the economic cooperation between Egypt and Cuba? Are there specific sectors where you see potential for growth?
Unfortunately the level of our economic and trade relations is not at the same level as the political and diplomatic relations between our nations.
But there is political will and interest from both governments to work on the development and strengthening of economic and trade relations in areas of common interest. These include the health sector and the biopharmaceutical industry, which has great potential for development based on the progress made by Cuba in the area of research and the creation of new drugs, and Egypt's progress in producing large volumes of medicines.
An example of the interest of both countries in developing relations in the health sector has been the exchange of visits between the Ministers of Health of both countries in the last two years.
3. Given the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of both countries, what initiatives are being undertaken to enhance tourism and cultural exchanges between Cuba and Egypt?
Cuba and Egypt are two countries with strong and influential cultures, as well as a historical and natural heritage recognized worldwide. Both countries have in tourism one of their main sources of income; it is certainly an area in which both countries can cooperate.
There are also strong cultural ties and a historical tradition of participation in cultural festivals held in both countries. One of our objectives is to strengthen cultural cooperation between our countries and create greater interaction between our peoples.
4. What role does education play in strengthening the relationship between our two countries? Are there any ongoing or planned collaborations in academic fields?
Cuba and Egypt have always attached great importance to the education sector and the training of their young people and professionals in all sectors. However, historically there has not been a significant exchange between our universities.
It is another of our objectives to develop relations between academic institutions of both countries and to achieve a fluid exchange of experiences between professors and students of both countries. We consider this an important tool to foster the development of joint projects in the field of scientific research.
5. Could you share some of the key activities that the Cuban embassy in Egypt has been involved in to promote bilateral relations?
The Cuban Embassy has developed several actions to strengthen bilateral relations with Egypt, including meetings with Egyptian authorities linked to the health sector and the biopharmaceutical industry.
Among the most important meetings were those held with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Population Dr. Khaled Abdel Gaffar, with the President of the Egyptian Medicines Authority, Dr. Ali El Ghamrawy, with the President of ACDIMA Olfat Ghorab, and with the President of VACSERA Dr. Sherif Elfeel.
Likewise, the participation of Egyptian authorities and companies in events in Cuba has been promoted, such as the Cuba-Health 2025 Convention, in which an important Egyptian delegation participated.
6. How do you view the current challenges in the region?
The situation in the region is extremely complex and dangerous, especially because Israel is acting with great impunity, violating all the norms established by the UN Charter and international law. Its incursions into Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and Iran demonstrate this.
But there is no doubt that the genocide being carried out by the Israeli government in Gaza is unprecedented and must be stopped once and for all.
I would like to highlight the role played by Egypt in the search for a negotiated solution to the crimes committed by Israel in Gaza, and the support it has provided to hundreds of thousands of Palestinian refugees and those from other countries in the region that are also in conflicts such as Sudan, Libya, Syria or Yemen.
I believe that the greatest challenge for the countries of the region is to stop Israel and its aggressive and expansionist policies that threaten peace and security throughout the region. Likewise, the creation of a sovereign and independent Palestinian state becomes another great challenge, because as long as the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians is not solved; there will be no peace and stability in the Middle East region.
7. What are your aspirations for the future of Cuba-Egypt relations? Are there any specific agreements, official visits, or initiatives on the horizon?
I dream of a strong relationship between our friendly countries in all possible spheres. We are two countries with a great humanist and peace vocation and we share the same principles.
Many agreements have been signed in different areas such as health, education, culture, sports and scientific research, but it is not enough just to sign them, we must work hard to implement them and make relations between Egypt and Cuba become a reference for the countries of the South.
As for the exchange of visits, this has been revitalized in the last two years but we are working to expand it and make it more fluid in the midst of complex economic conditions for our nations. (Embacuba Egipto)