Harare, October 7, 2026 – S. Mateta, Director of Bilateral Trade and Diaspora at Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, met today with Cuban Ambassador Susellys Pérez Mesa to discuss ways to boost ties between the two countries.
The Cuban Head of Mission briefed Mateta on the 176 economic transformations recently approved by her country, particularly the 46 measures related to the external sector. She also outlined the new legal regulations implementing these measures, which are designed to facilitate national development, including foreign investment.
Pérez Mesa highlighted the consequences of the harsh blockade imposed by the United States, which has been exacerbated by executive orders issued in January and May aimed at preventing fuel shipments from reaching Cuba.
The Zimbabwean diplomat reaffirmed her country's support for the struggle to lift this detrimental policy and advocated for accelerating the implementation of joint projects.
The meeting—which was also attended by Deputy Director of Bilateral Trade and Diaspora C. Matipura and specialist Farayi Bimha—included a review of the status of bilateral issues and new agreements, with the aim of diversifying ties across various sectors and institutions of both nations.
The Ambassador, accompanied by Minister-Counselor Luis Enrique González Acosta, provided details regarding the upcoming Havana International Fair, scheduled to take place in both in-person and virtual formats in late November.