The Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to Kuwait, Alan Pérez Torres, affirmed that Cuban-Kuwaiti relations are characterized by a distinguished level of cooperation and understanding, based on more than 50 years of friendship. He expressed his country's aspiration to expand the horizons of partnership in vital sectors, most notably health, energy, tourism, and biotechnology.
In an interview with Al-Nahar newspaper, the Ambassador explained that there is a shared interest in strengthening cooperation in multiple sectors, including healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy. He emphasized that these areas offer promising opportunities for launching joint projects that serve the interests of both countries.
He noted the continued communication and coordination between the two sides despite the absence of official visits. He also pointed out that Cuba offers promising investment opportunities for Kuwaiti investors, particularly in tourism, food production, and renewable energy, with tax incentives and a qualified workforce, which enhances the investment environment and increases its attractiveness. On the health front, he explained that his country possesses advanced medical expertise, noting the success of cooperation with Kuwait during the COVID-19 pandemic, where Cuban medical teams contributed to supporting the health sector. He added that this experience could be built upon through training programs and the exchange of medical personnel.
The ambassador also commended the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development for its support of vital projects within Cuba, particularly the provision of safe drinking water, and affirmed the commitment to expanding cooperation in new development projects in the coming phase.
Internationally, Torres emphasized that Cuba believes in dialogue and diplomacy as the two fundamental options for resolving conflicts and rejects the use of force. He called for respect for the sovereignty of states and international law, given the current global tensions.
He also addressed the impact of the economic embargo imposed on his country for over 60 years, stressing that it has had a profound effect on the economy and the standard of living of citizens, especially regarding the availability of food and medicine. However, he affirmed that the Cuban people continue to persevere and uphold their sovereignty.
He emphasized Cuba's openness to establishing balanced relations with the United States based on mutual respect and non-interference in internal affairs, while simultaneously stressing that the political system in his country is an internal matter to be decided solely by the Cuban people.
The Ambassador expressed his appreciation to the Kuwaiti people for their warm welcome and hospitality, wishing Kuwait continued progress and prosperity, and emphasizing his country's keenness to strengthen bilateral relations in various fields.
The following interview provides further details:
How do you assess the current level of relations between Cuba and Kuwait?
Relations are positive and distinguished, based on a long history of friendship and cooperation, reflecting strong ties built on mutual respect and a shared desire to develop them.
What are the most prominent sectors you seek to develop?
We aim to enhance cooperation in healthcare, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, energy, and sports, areas that offer significant opportunities for joint projects.
Are there any upcoming official visits?
No visits are currently scheduled, but communication is ongoing. Last year saw a visit from the First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cuba, in addition to political consultations via video conference. What opportunities are available for Kuwaiti
investors
?
Opportunities exist in tourism, food production, biotechnology, and renewable energy, with tax incentives, a qualified workforce, and stability that fosters a favorable investment environment.
How can Kuwait benefit from Cuban medical expertise?
Cuba possesses advanced medical expertise, and cooperation during the COVID-19 pandemic proved successful. This cooperation can be further developed through training and the exchange of medical personnel.
Projects
: Are there any joint projects currently underway?
We value the support of the Kuwait Fund for Development, particularly in drinking water projects, and we seek to expand cooperation into new projects.
How can cooperation in these sectors be developed?
We are working on practical projects, and Cuba boasts unique tourism potential, in addition to significant opportunities in energy, especially renewable energy.
Issues
: How does Cuba view developments in the Middle East?
We believe that dialogue and diplomacy are the means to resolve conflicts, and we reject the use of force, while advocating for respect for the sovereignty of states.
What is your position on international tensions?
We call for respect for international law and reject unilateral actions. Diplomatic solutions remain the best option.
How do you assess the international role in resolving current crises
? All countries have an important role, and international cooperation and respect for international law are the foundation for achieving security and stability.
How does the embargo affect Cuba?
The embargo, which has lasted for more than 60 years, has affected the economy and standard of living, especially in terms of food and medicine, but the Cuban people continue to persevere.
Do you expect a change in relations?
We are open to relations based on mutual respect and non-interference in internal affairs.
Regime change
: How do you assess the calls for regime change?
This is an internal matter to be decided by the Cuban people alone.
Are there concerns about escalation?
Despite the pressure, the Cuban people are holding fast to their sovereignty and independence.
Are you making efforts to contain the escalation?
Yes, and there is broad international support and solidarity, including from Kuwait, especially in rejecting the embargo.
Culture and assessment
: How can cultural exchange be strengthened?
We are working to develop cultural and educational cooperation, and we seek to provide scholarships in the future.
What is your message to the Kuwaiti people
? I express my gratitude for the warm welcome and generous hospitality, and I wish Kuwait continued progress and prosperity, while emphasizing our keenness to strengthen relations between the two countries.