By India Blooms News Service Jan 15, 2023
New Delhi/Havana: Meenakshi Lekhi, Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture of India, concluded on Saturday a fruitful visit to Havana, which highlighted the willingness of both countries to continue strengthening bilateral ties of friendship and cooperation, officials said.
She visited the nation at a time when both the nations marked 63rd anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations on Jan 12.
Started my engagements at Havana by offering floral tribute to #MahatmaGandhi bust at Miramar park, together with Cuban Culture Minister Alpidio Alonso. Also gifted books on Indian culture to National Library Asia House. @CubaEsCultura @MEAIndia @CubaMINREX @IndianDiplomacy pic.twitter.com/bxsT1qKoJY
Meenakashi Lekhi (@M_Lekhi) January 14, 2023
The visit had its central moment with the meeting with the President of the Republic of Cuba, Miguel Diaz-Canel, who said: We consider your visit as a sign of the will and willingness of the Government of India to continue strengthening and expanding relations with Cuba, which is also our will and our desire.
Had fruitful meeting with Cuban Culture Minister @AlpidioAlonsoG and discussed ways of further enhancing cultural ties between our two friendly countries. @CubaEsCultura @MEAIndia @CubaMINREX @IndianDiplomacy pic.twitter.com/8huzUYOnw8
Meenakashi Lekhi (@M_Lekhi) January 14, 2023
During the fraternal dialogue, the President thanked the Minister of State for the support that means for Cuba, the upcoming arrival to the Island of the first shipment of rice from India, which was acquired with a line of credit granted by the Government of that country.
Likewise, he highlighted the presence of that nation in the National Economic and Social Development Plan that Cuba has drawn up until 2030, as part of which, India participates in very important programs in food, pharmaceutical industry and renewable energy sources.
Had excellent meeting with Cuban Foreign Minister Acting @CubaMINREX Gerardo Pealver Portal and reviewed full range of relations between India and Cuba. Discussed ways of enhancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest. @MEAIndia @CubaMINREX @IndianDiplomacy pic.twitter.com/wqxBQP0qgl
Meenakashi Lekhi (@M_Lekhi) January 14, 2023
I ratify our willingness to continue expanding and strengthening our political, diplomatic, economic, trade and cooperation ties, and we would be interested in opening up other areas for cooperation, particularly biotechnology and environmental issues, the Cuban leader stressed.
After expressing his gratitude for the support that the Government and people of India have always given us in Cubas struggle against the blockade, President Daz-Canel shared with MeenakashiLekhi the interest of Cuba in counting on Indias support to promote, from the Pro-Tempore Presidency of the Group of 77+China, the discussion of a group of global problems and challenges currently faced by the nations of the world.
The Minister of State conveyed her countrys willingness to continue strengthening the existing ties, while referring to various areas in which these ties can be expanded, as they are issues of common interest.
Pleased to meet H.E. Esteban Lazo Hernandez, President of Cubas National Assembly of Peoples Power and discuss with him means of strengthening cooperation between parliaments of the two countries. @MEAIndia @IndianDiplomacy @CubaMINREX pic.twitter.com/t6eUGZnnOt
Meenakashi Lekhi (@M_Lekhi) January 14, 2023
Previously, the Minister was received by the President of the National Assembly, Esteban Lazo; by the Interim Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gerardo Pealver; and by the Minister of Culture, Alpidio Alonso.
She also paid tribute with floral tributes to the monuments in Havana dedicated to Cubas National Hero, Jos Mart, and to the leader of Indian independence, Mahatma Gandhi.
Glad to call on H.E. Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez, President of Cuba today and discuss with him the entire gamut of cooperation between our two friendly countries. @MEAIndia @IndianDiplomacy @CubaMINREX pic.twitter.com/Sls6vO00f4
Meenakashi Lekhi (@M_Lekhi) January 14, 2023
Finally, she concluded his visit with a meeting at the Panchakarma Center of Havana, which promotes and offers Ayurvedic medicine services.