Rarotonga – This afternoon the Prime Minister of Cook Islands received the Cuban Ambassador, Mario Alzugaray, who is in this capital on a working visit.
During the meeting both sides exchanged on the multiple challenges that Cuba and the Cook Islands share as small island states.
Prime Minister Puna confirmed the interest in continuing to expand bilateral ties, especially on issues of common interest aimed at strengthening the resilience of both nations to mutual issues, such as climate change.
The leader of the small Pacific nation also praised the Cuban health system and expressed his gratitude for the cooperation Cuba has offered to the countries of the region in this area.
During his stay in the Cook Islands, the Cuban diplomat fulfilled an extensive work program, which includeded meetings with the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Tepaeru Herrmann and the Minister of Finance, Garth Henderson. Additionally, he took part as a panelist in the Launch of the Cook Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Statement of Strategic Intentions 2019-2024. (Embacuba NZ)