Nigeria, Cuba Sign MoU to Enhance Cooperation in Medicine and Science

Nigeria, Cuba Sign MoU to Enhance Cooperation in Medicine and Science

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

Nigeria and Cuba have signed an agreement to strengthen their relationship in medicine, science, and technology.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and Cuba’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bruno Eduardo Rodriguez Parrilla, during a meeting in Abuja yesterday.

Tuggar explained that the MoU aims to improve trade and collaboration in the medical field, research, and technology. He expressed Nigeria’s eagerness to work closely with Cuba in these areas.

“We have just signed an agreement to enhance our political relationship and cooperation. We discussed ways to boost trade, investment, and collaboration in medicine and science. This visit is a chance to strengthen our existing ties and agreements,”Tuggar said.

The Minister also highlighted the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and Cuba, which dates back to the fight for freedom in Africa. He noted that both countries share cultural and traditional connections.

“Cuba holds a special place in Nigeria’s history. Our shared experiences and traditions are important to us. Even before our nations tsecondook shape, people from this region played a role in Cuba’s history. Historical accounts suggest that black people were part of the early exploration of Cuba,” he said.

Tuggar added that Cuba played a significant role in helping African countries fight against oppressive regimes from the 1960s to the 1980s, and Nigeria was also involved during that time.

Rodriguez Parrilla, who is visiting Nigeria for the  time, expressed Cuba’s commitment to strengthening ties with Nigeria. He emphasized the potential for cooperation in trade, investment, culture, and science.

“We see great opportunities to enhance our cooperation in many areas. Our relationship is strong, and we are actively working together on various fronts,” Parrilla stated.

He also mentioned that his visit was to show Cuba’s appreciation for Nigeria’s contributions to Cuban culture and its support against the embargo on Cuba.

“We are proud of our shared history and will always honor our connection with Nigeria,” Rodriguez Parrilla said. “We consider ourselves a Latin American-African people, deeply connected to Nigeria.”