Pretoria, July 21, 2022.- The Minister of Agriculture, Agrarian Reform and Rural Development of South Africa, Mrs. Angela Thokozile Didiza and the Ambassador of Cuba in South Africa, Enrique Orta González, signed today an Intergovernmental Agreement for cooperation in matters of Animal and Plant Health between both countries.
The implementation of this agreement will increase the exchange of information on animal diseases and plant pests, regulations and prevention measures and training, research and exchange of specialists; which will contribute to a better control of the productions of the agricultural and food sector of both countries.
This important cooperation agreement will also help strengthen and increase trade relations, making possible a greater diversification of exports and imports of agricultural products under mutually advantageous and secure conditions.
Within the framework of the signing ceremony, held at the Department of Agriculture, Agrarian Reform and Rural Development in Pretoria, the South African minister thanked Cuba for her contribution in the fight against apartheid; as well as the help that it continued to offer to South Africa after the defeat of that disgraceful regime, through the development of numerous cooperation projects.
She additionally added that: "the peoples of Cuba and South Africa have shown how much progress can be made by addressing common challenges collectively."
For his part, the Cuban Ambassador highlighted the practical importance of the new agreement and stressed that the agreement signed today is a continuation of the ideals and legacy of our historical leaders Nelson Mandela and Fidel Castro and of the will of both peoples to strengthen the historical and bilateral ties and the deep friendship that unite us.
The signed document is a reflection of the excellent state of bilateral relations and the will of both governments to continue strengthening and diversifying bilateral cooperation; as well as one more expression of the unbreakable friendship between Cuba and South Africa, a practical example of South-South cooperation.