Islamabad, January 8, 2021. The President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Dr. Arif Alvi, received today the ambassador of Cuba, Gabriel Tiel Capote, on a farewell visit, at the end of his five-year mission in Pakistan. During the meeting, they reviewed the excellent state of bilateral relations between the two countries. The President Alvi said that Pakistan attaches the utmost importance to its ties with Cuba and wishes to continue enhancing bilateral cooperation in the areas of trade, economy, health and culture for mutual benefit. He expressed deep appreciation for Cuban aid after the 2005 earthquake and the awarding of 1,000 scholarships to young Pakistanis to study medicine in Cuba. He added that it was necessary to identify and explore areas where the two countries can expand trade and economic cooperation. He also highlighted the need for cultural and parliamentary exchanges. The President Alvi lauds the advances of the Cuban Revolution despite the sanctions and the role played by Cuba within the Non-Aligned Movement. The Ambassador highlighted the work carried out by his country last year, despite the inhumane blockade imposed by the United States, intensified under the current US administration, and the signing of several MoU and the Agreement on Visa Exemption between both countries. . CUBAMINREX-EMBACUBA PAKISTAN