Palmerston North, 25 of November of 2016. – On the occasion of the visit of the Ambassador of Cuba, Mario Alzugaray, to Massey University in the city of Palmerston North, Pro Vice - Chancellor Paul Spoonley expressed his interest in promoting exchanges with their Cuban counterparts.
Also present in the meeting was Professor Leonel Alvarado, who will be travelling to Cuba soon, to join the jury in the selection of the Casa de las Americas prize, one of the most prestigious in Literature in the region. Both sides agreed this was a great opportunity to encourage initial contacts with Cuban universities.
During his visit to Massey University, the Cuban diplomat offered a lecture on the current situation in Cuba, its future developments and its links with New Zealand. The public showed great interest in the prospect of relations with the United States, receiving wide information on the continuity of the US blockade and its adverse effects for Cuban society. The occasion was also conducive to highlight Cuba´s cooperation efforts with the Pacific Islands.
Massey University is one of the most prestigious academic centres in New Zealand, with great development in agricultural specialities. Its School of Humanities has a wide program of foreign languages and great interest in promoting further exchanges with Hispanic nations.