Díaz-Canel talks with Cuban aid workers in Angola

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel today held a dialogue with some 200 of the island's collaborators in Angola, among more than two thousand working in sectors such as health, higher education, defense, energy and water resources.

Accompanied by the Caribbean nation's Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodriguez, and Public Health Minister, Jose Angel Portal, respectively, as well as by the Cuban ambassador in the capital, Esther Armenteros, the president learned details of the work of the collaborators.

Two thousand 56 Cubans are currently working in Angola, including 1,171 doctors and 582 teachers, and the President said that with their work they exalt the humanist thinking of the Revolution and make people feel proud of being Cubans.

Dr. Regla Angulo, who is an advisor at the Angolan Ministry of Health, referred to the importance of the contribution, not only in health care, but also in the training of professionals in the sector, from doctors dedicated to family care to specialists.

He pointed out that 37 medical specialties are currently being studied in the country with the island's cooperation, in addition to extending this level of studies to 17 of the 18 provinces and reaching more than 3,000 Angolan doctors.

Different health collaborators recounted their experiences in working alongside local doctors, many of whom studied on the island, and the learning that has resulted from treating numerous diseases that are not usually seen in the Caribbean nation.

Díaz-Canel inquired about the prevalence of some pathologies such as diabetes mellitus and neurological diseases, in addition to asking whether scientific conferences are held in the Cuban brigades.

He said that one of the areas in which there is the intention to strengthen the exchange with Angola is in the area of science and innovation, where it is possible to partner for scientific research and contribute with the results that Cuba has in the field of biotechnology.

As part of the conversation, the Cuban head of state also heard about the work in the construction sector, particularly in the area of hydraulic resources works.

The specialist of Imbondex Construcciones, Walfrido Larduy, told about the work they are carrying out in the province of Cunene, in the extreme south of the country, badly affected by water shortages and where the island's forces have laid 135 kilometers of pipes and connected the service for the benefit of more than 48 thousand inhabitants.

The Cuban president arrived this Sunday at the 4 de Febrero International Airport, where he was received by Angolan Foreign Minister Téte António.

Local media have been publishing since yesterday contents related to the visit of the head of state, who foresees in his agenda a meeting with his counterpart João Lourenço and a special speech before the National Assembly (unicameral Congress), besides the signing of several agreements.