South Africa's Ambassador to Cuba, His Excellency Phatse Justice Piitso, strengthens bilateral relations with Cuba

The South African Ambassador to Cuba, His Excellency Phatse Justice Piitso, had a friendly cordial meeting today with the Head of International Relations of the Cuban Communist Party, Mr Jorge Martí, to discuss how to consolidate the bilateral relations between their two countries.

The meeting takes place at the time when the world is facing a complex difficult situation of a financial crisis that has tremendously affected the wellbeing of its people.

The two leaders agreed that in the wake of these challenges, more has to be done to change the world social order so that it is able to respond to the challenges of poverty, disease and underdevelopment that are posing a serious threat to the existence of humanity.

Cuba and South Africa have long standing political relations emanating from the time when the African National Congress led alliance was engaged in the struggles against apartheid.

It was during this difficult period, when South African people were facing the brutality of the apartheid regime, that Cuba, together with other progressive forces of the world, played a pivotal role in assisting liberation movements in Africa for their emancipation against colonial rule and oppression.

The South African ambassador reaffirmed the deep appreciation from the South African people on the unequivocal role that Cuba played in the struggles for liberation of South Africa and the region and the continuing support Cuba gives in many fields such as education, health and social services to the African continent.

He also conveyed a message of appreciation to the Cuban Revolution and its Commander in Chief, Mr Fidel Castro, for the unflinching support he gave to the struggle for freedom in southern Africa.

In the atmosphere of friendly discussions, the two leaders appreciated the political and economic relations that are underway between their two countries and both confirmed that more has to be done to further improve them.

For more information contact:
Saul Kgomotso Molobi
Tel: +27 351 0083
Cell: +27 82 940 1647
E-mail: molobisk@dirco.gov.za