Senate President Godswill Akpabio has called for deeper bilateral relations between Nigeria and Cuba, while paying tribute to Cuba’s significant role in Africa’s liberation struggles. Akpabio made the remarks on Monday while receiving the Cuban Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bruno Rodriguez Parrila, who paid a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja.
Akpabio described the visit as a reaffirmation of the enduring bonds between Nigeria and Cuba, which he said were forged through shared struggles and a commitment to justice and sovereignty.
“This visit is not merely a gesture of diplomacy but a reaffirmation of the enduring bonds between our two nations—bonds forged in the fire of history, strengthened by shared struggles, and sealed by an unyielding commitment to justice and sovereignty,” Akpabio said.
He emphasized the need to translate the historical solidarity between the two nations into tangible progress and economic strength. “This visit should mark not only a renewal of Nigerian-Cuban friendship but the beginning of an even stronger alliance—one that translates our shared history into shared progress, our solidarity into economic strength, and our struggles into lasting victories,” he added.
Akpabio also highlighted the potential for collaboration in various fields, including medicine, where Cuba has made significant global contributions. He proposed the establishment of a Nigeria-Cuba parliamentary friendship group to strengthen ties and facilitate peer reviews on best practices.
The Senate President paid glowing tribute to Cuba’s role in Africa’s liberation struggles, particularly during the fight against apartheid. “Africa remembers. When the forces of oppression sought to choke the life out of an entire continent, when apartheid reigned as an insult to human dignity, when nations wavered and hesitated—Cuba did not. Cuba stood with Africa. Cuba fought for Africa,” Akpabio stated.
He recalled Cuba’s contributions to liberation movements in Angola, Namibia, and South Africa, describing the Caribbean nation as a shield behind which Africa gathered its strength. “To the Cuban people, we say this: Nigeria has not forgotten, and Nigeria will not falter. Together, we move forward—undaunted, unafraid, and unyielding,” Akpabio declared.
In his response, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrila expressed gratitude for Nigeria’s support and solidarity with Cuba. He called for the strengthening of bilateral relations in areas such as culture, education, scientific research, health, and genetic engineering.
“The purpose of this visit is to express appreciation and gratitude, on behalf of the Cuban President, government, and people of Cuba, for Nigeria’s support and solidarity with Cuba,” Parrila said. He emphasized the importance of deepening cooperation for the mutual benefit of both nations.
The visit underscores the longstanding friendship between Nigeria and Cuba and sets the stage for enhanced collaboration in various sectors.
