Media Release
23 November, 2009
Visit to Cuba
Today, Monday 23 November, I spent the day in Havana, my first visit to Cuba and the first by an Australian Foreign Minister since 1995.
I met my Cuban counterpart, Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla.
I was also received by First Vice-President, José Machado Ventura.
My visit coincides with the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Australia and Cuba.
Australia and Cuba see this as a fresh start to our relationship.
Australia wants to enhance our engagement with Latin America and the Caribbean, both through individual countries and through regional organisations.
Australia is pleased with the way our relationship with Cuba has progressed in the recent period.
In the last two years, we have worked more closely together in international organisations, particularly the United Nations.
In April 2009, Australian officials attended the meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in Havana.
In July 2009, Australia hosted the first Australian Film Festival in Havana.
Foreign Minister Rodriguez and I had broad ranging discussions in which we reviewed key aspects of the bilateral relationship.
We signed a Memorandum of Understanding which will provide the future basis for cooperation between Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Cuba’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
We discussed potential collaboration between Australia and Cuba in science and technology following the successful visit to Australia in October 2009 of a delegation led by the President’s scientific advisor.
We also agreed to broaden people-to-people contacts through enhanced engagement in culture and sports.
We exchanged views on the regional and global challenges facing countries, particularly climate change and the global economy.
Australia noted that the small island states of our own Pacific region face similar challenges to the island states of the Caribbean.
We explored how we could work together through regional organisations such as the Rio Group and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
I was pleased to have the opportunity to visit the Ramon Pando Ferrer Hospital, Cuba’s Institute of Ophthalmology, and the Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology to see first hand important elements of Cuba’s international research and medical cooperation programs.
Cuba has a highly-regarded international reputation for medical services through its placement of Cuban doctors and nurses in developing countries, including several Pacific Island countries.
We agreed to look at ways in which we can cooperate on health programs for development and capacity building in the Pacific and the Caribbean.
Media contacts:
- Mr Smith's office 02 6277 7500
- Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555