Panama and Cuba advocate strengthening bilateral ties

The new Foreign Minister of Panama, Javier Martínez, and the Minister of Higher Education (MES) of Cuba, Walter Baluja, advocated today for closer relations between the two Governments and peoples.
 
Martínez held a meeting with the delegation of the largest of the Antilles that is attending the inauguration of the president-elect, José Raúl Mulino, also made up of the director of Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean in the Caribbean Foreign Ministry, Rafael Dausá; and the island’s ambassador to the isthmus, Víctor Cairo.

In the talks, the parties identified sectors to expand economic exchange and cooperation in areas such as education and culture, among others.

Upon their arrival two days ago at the Tocumen International Airport, Baluja and the delegation he leads were received by the outgoing Foreign Minister Janaina Tewaney, with whom they ratified the historic ties that unite both countries.

As part of its first activities on the agenda, the Caribbean delegation paid tribute to National Hero José Martí, with the placement of a wreath on the bust that perpetuates his memory in the emblematic Belisario Porras park, in this capital.

They also spoke with members of the Cuban state mission in Panama, an appointment in which the head of the MES offered a broad overview of the national situation and the impact of the blockade imposed by the United States more than six decades ago.

He also highlighted the close academic relationship with local higher education centers such as the University of Panama, the Technological University and the Specialized University of the Americas, and the possibilities of continuing to expand joint projects.

The demand that the economic, commercial and financial blockade cease and that Washington exclude Cuba from a spurious list of nations sponsoring terrorism is one of the noble causes that receives full support from Panamanians, as they noted.

The delegation of the Caribbean country will participate this Monday in an act of solidarity with Cuba, and tomorrow, Tuesday, it will return to the island.