Pohnpei, 8 of September of 2016. -In a meeting held in the framework of the 47th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), the Foreign Minister of Palau, Billy Kuartei, expressed Gerardo Peñalver Portal, Director-General for Bilateral Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cuba, the will of his Government in strengthening bilateral ties. During the exchange, the leader of the small Pacific nation thanked Cuban cooperation in the health sector, especially in medical training of Young Palauans in Cuban universities.
The Cuban diplomat, on his side, confirmed the importance attached by his country to the Pacific region, highlighting common challenges faced by small island developing States. Additionally, he expressed his gratitude for Palau backing of the resolution condemning the US blockade, presented by Cuba in the 70th session of the UN General Assembly in 2015, occasion that also marked the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Both parties also exchanged views on the need to explore new cooperation projects, as well as the mutual interest in promoting greater coordination in multilateral forums.
The Cuban Foreign Ministry senior official leads his country's delegation to the 47th PIF meeting, which will be held until Sunday 11th of September in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia. Cuba takes part in this event as a Dialogue Partner, condition that was awarded at the 44 session of the PIF in the year 2013.