The Minister of State for External Affairs of India, Meenakashi Lekhi, and the Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to this country, Alejandro Simancas Marín, held a meeting today to commemorate the 62nd anniversary of the establishment of relations between the two countries, which was celebrated on January 12.
Both recalled the historic moment when the foundations of friendship, cooperation and dialogue were laid, and ratified the will to continue working together to strengthen these ties. They agreed on the purpose of expanding political dialogue, trade and economic ties, as well as developing greater cooperation in sectors such as education, health, biotechnology and natural disaster management.
The meeting was also an opportunity to celebrate the national holidays of both countries in January. The Cuban Ambassador conveyed to the Minister congratulatory messages on the occasion of India's Republic Day, on January 26, from President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez to his Indian counterpart Ram Nath Kovind, as well as from Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and from Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla to Foreign Minister Jaishankar. In each case, the Cuban high authorities conveyed their congratulations and reiterated their intention to continue strengthening bilateral ties. The Minister also conveyed sincere congratulations on Cuba's National Day, the 63rd anniversary of the triumph of the Revolution.
The meeting took place at the headquarters of the Ministry of External Affairs of India in an atmosphere of cordiality and friendship. Also present were Gloria Gangte, director of the Latin America and Caribbean division of the Ministry, and Abel Aballe, deputy head of the Cuban diplomatic mission.