Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Burundi Times
Published on 2024-02-02 10:51:30
This Friday marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Burundi and Cuba on 2 February 1974. To commemorate this milestone, the Cuban embassy in Burundi has released a statement highlighting the strong and enduring ties between the two countries.
In 1976, just two years after the establishment of diplomatic relations, Burundi and Cuba signed an Economic and Scientific-Technical Cooperation Agreement, laying the foundation for technical cooperation between the two nations. Since then, more than 250 Cuban health workers have provided medical assistance in Burundi, and nearly 100 young Burundians have received scholarships to study in Cuban universities as part of the Cuban Revolution’s scholarship program.
Currently, 16 young Burundians are studying medicine in Cuba, further cementing the educational and cultural exchange between the two countries. The Cuban embassy also expressed its appreciation for Burundi’s steadfast support of Cuba at the United Nations, particularly with regard to the UN resolution against the blockade, as well as the African Union’s declaration on the same issue.
In September 2023, President Evariste Ndayishimiye led a Burundian delegation to the Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Group of 77+China, which was held in Havana. During this visit, the Foreign Ministers of Cuba and Burundi signed a Political Consultation Agreement and a Visa Waiver Agreement for diplomatic, official, and service passports, further enhancing cooperation between the two countries.
Additionally, in a show of continued cooperation and bilateral relations, the Secretary General of Burundi’s ruling party, CNDD-FDD, Reverien Ndikuriyo, led a party delegation on an official visit to Cuba in September 2023. During this visit, a Cooperation Agreement between the ruling parties of both countries was signed, further solidifying the strong ties between Burundi and Cuba.
The Cuban embassy also noted the CNDD-FDD Secretary General’s vocal support for the Cuban people during the Seventh Conference of the African continent in Solidarity with Cuba, held in South Africa in January 2023. This demonstration of solidarity further underscores the deep and meaningful relationship between the two nations.
As Burundi and Cuba celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations, the bonds of friendship, cooperation, and mutual respect between the two countries continue to thrive. The strong and enduring partnership between Burundi and Cuba serves as a testament to the lasting impact of international cooperation and solidarity.
Read the original article on Burundi Times
