III Cuba/New Zealand Annual Dialogue.
Wellington, May 30. Sponsored by the Caribbean Council, the third edition of the Cuba/New Zealand Annual Dialogue took place at the Cuban Embassy.
Academics, businessmen, officials, and students participated in the event and exchanged with the Cuban Ambassador about Cuba, relations with New Zealand, and the effects of the United States blockade on the lives of Cubans and the island's foreign relations.
Business and investment opportunities in Cuba were also mentioned.
Meeting with the speaker of Parliament.
Wellington, May 29. The ambassadors of Latin America and Spain had a friendly meeting with the Right Honorable Adrian Rurawhe, Speaker of the New Zealand Parliament.
We exchanged about the reality of our countries and the possibilities of increasing ties between our parliaments and people.
There was a broad exchange on the respective health systems and the Cuban system in particular. Ambassador Edgardo Valdés provided elements about Cuban medical cooperation in the world.
Meeting with H.W Tory Whanau, Mayor of Wellington.
Wellington, May 23. As part of the preparations for the Latin America and Spain Film Festival (LASFF), the ambassadors involved had a friendly meeting with the Mayor of this city, H.W Tory Whanau.
The support of the City Council for the cultural event that will begin in September was ratified, and we analyzed other initiatives to jointly promote cultural rapprochement between our countries and the people of Wellington.
A summer festival is among the proposals.
We thank the City Council for their hospitality and support.
ALAC members visit the Cuban Embassy.
Wellington, May 19. Ambassador Edgardo Valdés received at the Embassy members of ALAC (Aotearoa Latin American Community),an organization that works to support and advise Latin American refugees. They also work in projects for the preservation of our culture and language. Among their activities, they created the Letras Latinas Library, to which our representation has donated books.
ALAC executives have traditionally been linked to solidarity with Cuba.
Presentation on Cuba at Rebus Club of Upper Hutt meeting.
Upper Hutt, May 17. Invited by the board of directors of the Rebus Club of this city, Ambassador Edgardo Valdés virtually presented an exhibition of 80 photos of Cuba before a large group of members of that institution.
In addition, he gave a lecture on various aspects of life in Cuba, foreign policy, and relations with New Zealand, among other aspects; after which he answered multiple questions on the most varied topics.
The attendees showed a genuine interest in learning about Cuba, and some shared their personal or family experiences during trips to the island.