President seeks to forge bilateral ties with Cuba, invites Cuban President to visit Sri Lanka

• The two leaders reaffirmed the  robust bonds of friendship and dialogue between their respective nations

In a significant diplomatic endeavour, President Ranil Wickremesinghe embarked on an official visit to Cuba, setting the stage for his participation in the G77 plus China Summit in Havana from September 15-16. Cuba, the current Chair of the G77 + China, hosted this pivotal summit, a statement from the President’s Media Division (PMD) said.

Upon his arrival, President Wickremesinghe received a grand welcome, complete with a Guard of Honour, at the Palace of Revolution. The visit was marked by a series of high-profile meetings, with the most notable being his engagement with Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermudez. 

“During their bilateral discussions, the two leaders reaffirmed the robust bonds of friendship and dialogue between their respective nations. Cuba extended its warm appreciation for the visit, recognizing its profound significance amid ongoing global challenges. 

Both leaders commended Sri Lanka’s unwavering commitment to its friendship with Cuba and acknowledged the essential role played by the G77 and China in representing the interests of the global South.
The historical context of bilateral cooperation between Sri Lanka and Cuba was revisited, especially within multilateral forums where both nations have consistently stood together on pivotal issues, such as advocating for the lifting of sanctions against Cuba and addressing human rights concerns.

Looking ahead, President Wickremesinghe and President Díaz-Canel identified several areas for future collaboration, encompassing public health, agriculture, and sports. In a promising gesture, President Díaz-Canel accepted an invitation to visit Sri Lanka in 2024, underlining Cuba’s steadfast support for Sri Lanka. Furthermore, the discussion highlighted Cuba’s role in bridging North-South gaps in Science, Technology, and Innovation, with an expressed willingness to share expertise, notably in vaccine development.
The leaders emphasized the paramount importance of enhancing the bilateral relationship, with a specific focus on joint efforts in medicine, healthcare, sports training, and coconut cultivation. President Wickremesinghe affirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to backing Cuba in international forums, while President Díaz-Canel pledged unwavering support for Sri Lanka on human rights resolutions.

This historic meeting marks a substantial stride in strengthening diplomatic ties between Sri Lanka and Cuba, with implications that extend not only to both nations but also reverberate throughout the broader global community. President Wickremesinghe was joined by key officials, including Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ms. Aruni Wijewardane, the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Cuba Mr. Lakshitha Ratnayake, Ms. Rekha Gunasekera, Director General of the United Nations and Multilateral Affairs Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with Private Secretary to the President Ms. Sandra Perera,” the statement said.        

• This historic meeting marks a substantial stride in strengthening diplomatic ties between Sri Lanka and Cuba