Similar Experiences Cement Cuba, Zimbabwe Relations

Cuban ambassador to Zimbabwe Enrique Antonio Prieto Lopez bids farewell to official Simon Khaya Moyo on November 5, 2013., a photo by Pan-African News Wire File Photos on Flickr.

Similar experiences cement Cuba, Zimbabwe relations

November 6, 2013
Farirai Machivenyika Senior Reporter
Zimbabwe Herald

OUTGOING Cuban ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Enrique Antonio Prieto Lopez yesterday said the two countries have a strong relationship because of similar experiences in their fight against illegally-imposed sanctions meant to create illegal regime change.Ambassador Lopez said this soon after paying a courtesy call on Senior Minister Simon Khaya Moyo at his Munhumutapa offices in Harare.

“We discussed various issues including how to co-ordinate the work for the development of our countries and also on international affairs,” said the ambassador.

“Cuba and Zimbabwe are together because of strong historical links, very big historical links, and because of our common cause against sanctions that are designed simply to change our systems and that is something that is unacceptable because it is for our peoples to decide the destiny for their countries.”

Mr Lopez said his country has been under a United States blockade for over 50 years but has stood resolute in defence of its sovereignty.

“Cuba has been followed for more than 50 years and has been under the US blockade and this has caused a lot of harm to our people.

“But we keep our positions and we stand in front of it and continue with our development, but at the same time keep demanding that the criminal embargo be lifted,” he said.

“The majority of the international community is against the embargo and the majority of the international community, the Non Aligned Movement, are also against the sanctions against Zimbabwe.

“So, we have a common fight, we will continue to work together for the objectives of our countries.”

Ambassador Lopez said Cuba will soon send more health personal to Zimbabwe and experts that will be seconded to Chinhoyi University of Technology and Bindura University of Science Education.

Cuba assisted Zimbabwe in the training of teachers soon after independence, while Cuban doctors have worked at many institutions countrywide.

Ambassador Lopez has been in the country for the past four years.