Nigeria, Cuba sign MoU to strengthen bilateral relations

Nigeria and Cuba have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance bilateral relations in the areas of medicine, science, and technology. Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and his visiting Cuban counterpart, Bruno Eduardo Rodriguez Parrilla, signed the MoU following their closed-door deliberations on Monday in Abuja. Tuggar stated that the MoU focuses […]

Nigeria and Cuba have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance bilateral relations in the areas of medicine, science, and technology.

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and his visiting Cuban counterpart, Bruno Eduardo Rodriguez Parrilla, signed the MoU following their closed-door deliberations on Monday in Abuja.

Tuggar stated that the MoU focuses on strengthening relations, particularly in the areas of trade, medicine, science, and technology.

“We have just signed an agreement, an MoU, to further strengthen our political relationship and collaboration, both bilaterally and multilaterally.

“During the course of our bilateral meeting, we discussed several areas aimed at enhancing trade, investment, and collaboration regarding the medical sector, research, science, and technology. This is something Nigeria keenly looks forward to actualising with Cuba.

“For us, we consider Cuba as part of Nigeria’s diaspora. This visit provides an opportunity to further strengthen existing ties, agreements, and memoranda of understanding already in place. Additionally, as you have witnessed, it has allowed us to sign new ones.”

Tuggar also emphasised that the relationship between both countries dates back to the era of the fight for Africa’s emancipation.

He noted that Cuba and Nigeria share a common culture and traditions.

“Cuba is a country with a special place in Nigeria, stretching back into history. What we share in terms of experience, culture, and tradition is something we hold dear to our hearts.

“We share a common affinity beyond culture—particularly Yoruba culture, as well as the Shakiri and other Nigerian cultures—which still feature prominently in Cuban music, cuisine, and more,” Tuggar said.

Rodriguez Parrilla, visiting Nigeria for the second time, affirmed Cuba’s readiness to explore the potential for enhancing bilateral relations between the two countries.

He pledged Cuba’s full commitment to strengthening ties with Nigeria.

“We affirm the very positive potential to enhance our cooperation in trade, investment, economic, cultural, academic, and scientific relations. We have been exchanging views to explore new opportunities and consolidate existing collaborations.

“We enjoy an excellent level of bilateral relations across numerous areas, including proactive exchange and commonalities in our international agendas. There is a very active level of bilateral cooperation and consultation, both on bilateral fronts and within multilateral international organisations,” he said.