On Monday afternoon, May 20, 2025, an important meeting was held in the British Parliament to commemorate the 123rd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Cuba and the United Kingdom.
Convened by Grahame Morris MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Cuba, the meeting welcomed a high-level Cuban delegation led by Dr. Naima Ariatne Trujillo Barreto, Minister of Education of Cuba. Dr. Trujillo Barreto, who is responsible for overseeing all levels of education in Cuba except higher education, was accompanied by the Ministry's Director of International Relations and by Her Excellency Ismara Mercedes Vargas Walter, Ambassador of Cuba to the United Kingdom.
This parliamentary meeting was part of the Cuban delegation's wider visit to London, supported by the British Council, to participate in the Education World Forum 2025, one of the world's leading summits for education ministers and policy makers.
In addition to Grahame Morris MP, the meeting was attended by Baroness Hooper of the Conservative Party, a long-standing supporter of UK-Latin American relations, and Labour MP Neil Duncan-Jordan, reflecting the broad cross-party interest in international cooperation and education development.
Dr. Trujillo Barreto outlined key achievements of the Cuban education system, including universal access to education, gender equality, and a strong emphasis on teacher training and professionalization. She highlighted the resilience of the Cuban education system in the face of significant challenges, including the U.S. blockade, Cuba's unfair designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, and recurring natural disasters.
The Minister also referred to the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement (PDCA) signed between Cuba and the United Kingdom in Havana in November 2023. The agreement has already been ratified by the Cuban Parliament and is awaiting ratification in the United Kingdom. She described it as an ideal framework for strengthening bilateral cooperation in a number of areas, including education.
The Minister expressed her willingness to promote triangular cooperation initiatives with the support of the United Kingdom, particularly in African and Asian countries. One such example is the possible implementation of the Cuban literacy program "Yo Sí Puedo" in partnership with third countries.
The discussion also touched on the impact of the blockade on the Cuban education system and explored specific opportunities for cooperation with UK institutions.
The Minister expressed her pride in representing one of the most gender-balanced parliaments in the world and reaffirmed Cuba's ongoing commitment to inclusive education and international solidarity.
The Embassy of Cuba warmly thanks all the parliamentarians and colleagues who participated in this meeting on such a historically significant date. The Embassy also reiterates its commitment to strengthening the long-standing friendship between our two countries through meaningful dialogue and cooperation in key areas such as education.
