Abuja, August 10, 2026. — Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, H.E. Miriam Morales Palmero, held a meeting with the Vice President of Nigeria, H.E. Senator Kashim Shettima, during which both sides exchanged views on the state of bilateral relations and addressed various issues of international interest, with particular attention to the current situation in Cuba and the historic bonds of friendship and solidarity that unite the two peoples.
During the meeting, the Cuban Ambassador provided an extensive update on the situation facing Cuba as a result of the intensification of the United States’ policy of economic aggression, particularly since January 29, when the U.S. Government established an energy blockade against the island aimed at obstructing Cuba’s access to its main sources of fuel. She also referred to subsequent measures adopted by the United States, including Executive Order 14404 of May 1, 2026, as well as sanctions against foreign individuals linked to specific sectors of the Cuban economy.
In this context, the Ambassador conveyed to the Nigerian Vice President the profound gratitude of the Government and people of Cuba for Nigeria’s position in multilateral fora and, particularly, for its support for Cuba at the United Nations. She especially acknowledged Nigeria’s support for the process that enabled the reopening of the consideration of Agenda Item 38 of the UNGA, concerning the need to put an end to the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States against Cuba, on July 7.
The Cuban representative also expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s favorable vote on the annual United Nations General Assembly resolution calling for an end to the United States blockade, and acknowledged Nigeria’s support for the position of the African Union in favor of lifting the blockade against Cuba. She highlighted the political significance of African solidarity at a particularly challenging time for the Cuban people.
With regard to bilateral relations, the Ambassador provided an update on the state of political and economic relations between Cuba and Nigeria, highlighting existing opportunities to further expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest and to build upon the historic ties that unite the two nations.
For his part, Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima welcomed the Cuban Ambassador and expressed his appreciation for her presence, while reaffirming the importance Nigeria attaches to its relations with Cuba.
The Vice President stressed that the ties between the two countries date back many years and are founded upon deep historical, human and fraternal bonds between the peoples of Cuba and Nigeria. In this regard, he fondly recalled his visit to Cuba in September 2023, when he led the Nigerian delegation to the G77 and China Summit of Heads of State and Government, held in Havana. During that visit, the Vice President had expressed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening and expanding bilateral relations with Cuba.
Recalling his stay on the island, Vice President Shettima conveyed that his heart was with the Cuban people, reaffirming the feelings of closeness and brotherhood that characterize the relations between the two peoples.
The Vice President further underscored that dialogue is one of the most powerful tools for finding solutions to the problems and challenges faced by nations, stressing the importance of keeping channels of communication and cooperation open.
He also acknowledged the historic role played by Cuba in Africa and its contribution to the struggles of African peoples for independence, sovereignty and development. He further highlighted the resilience that has historically characterized the Cuban people in the face of adversity.
The meeting took place in a cordial, relaxed and particularly warm atmosphere, reflecting the deep historical and human ties that characterize relations between Cuba and Nigeria.
The Cuban Ambassador was accompanied by the Third Secretary of the Embassy, Ana Flavia Gómez Pavot, while Vice President Shettima was accompanied by his Chief of Staff, Director of Communications, and Director for Latin America at the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of both sides to continue strengthening the bonds of friendship, solidarity, cooperation and understanding between Cuba and Nigeria, as well as to identifying new opportunities to further deepen bilateral relations for the benefit of both peoples.
(Embassy of Cuba in Nigeria)