By|| Goodluck E. Adubazi || Abuja
Nigeria and Cuba on Tuesday reaffirmed their longstanding diplomatic relations and shared commitment to peace, multilateralism and international law during a high-level meeting in Abuja.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, PhD, received the Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to Nigeria, Her Excellency Ambassador Miriam Morales Palmero, at the Ministry’s headquarters, where both sides reviewed the state of Nigeria–Cuba bilateral relations and exchanged views on key global and regional developments.
Ambassador Morales Palmero expressed appreciation to the Government of Nigeria for its consistent support for Cuba, noting that Nigeria’s solidarity over the years reflects the cordial and principled relationship between both countries, particularly within multilateral platforms.
She briefed the Permanent Secretary on current developments in Latin America and their broader regional implications, while underscoring Cuba’s commitment to peaceful engagement, social development, free education, universal healthcare and gender inclusion. The Cuban envoy also reaffirmed her country’s openness to dialogue based on mutual respect and non-interference.
In addition, Ambassador Morales Palmero disclosed plans for a proposed high-level visit to Nigeria by Cuba’s Vice President, Salvador Valdés Mesa, following the African Union Summit. According to her, the visit would build on previous high-level engagements and further strengthen political, economic and diplomatic cooperation between the two nations.
In his response, Ambassador Ahmed welcomed the Cuban Ambassador and reiterated Nigeria’s readiness to deepen its longstanding relationship with Cuba. He emphasized Nigeria’s firm commitment to peace, security and the peaceful resolution of disputes in line with international law, while assuring Cuba of Nigeria’s continued solidarity and constructive engagement within multilateral frameworks.
Speaking on the meeting, the Ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said Ambassador Ahmed highlighted Nigeria’s active role in multilateral diplomacy, including its engagements within the United Nations system and other international platforms. He stressed the importance of cooperation among developing countries in addressing global security, development and human rights challenges.
The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their mutual commitment to strengthening Nigeria–Cuba relations for the benefit of their peoples and sustaining collaboration on regional and global issues of common interest.
