Suva, March 13, 2026. – The Fijian Minister of Health and Medical Services, Dr. Ratu Antonio Rabici Lalabalavu, received the Cuban Ambassador, Nestor Torres Olivera, at the Ministry headquarters.
In a cordial atmosphere, they reviewed the status of key areas of bilateral cooperation, such as the training of tens of doctors and specialists across various fields, alongside the continued provision of medical scholarships for young Fijians by the Cuban government.
The Minister of Health thanked the Ambassador for his visit, praised Cuba's contribution to the health of the Fijian people and other Pacific nations, acknowledged Cuba's willingness to continue working to expand collaboration, and advocated for leveraging existing opportunities for its growth.
For his part, the Cuban diplomat emphasized several collaborative health projects that have presented to Fiji, particularly those related to primary healthcare and the treatment of patients with diabetic foot ulcers using the Cuban medication Heberprot P. He also stressed that Cuba maintains its scholarship program for Pacific Islands and its willingness to continue collaborating with the region, despite the difficult economic situation is currently experiencing due to the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States and intensified since President Donald Trump signed the executive order on January 29.
Finally, both officials expressed their hopes for the strengthening of ties between their countries and agreed to continue working to advance mutually beneficial cooperation projects.
(EmbacubaFiyi)