PR No.14 Islamabad: December 2, 2015

President Mamnoon Hussain has said that Pakistan and Cuba enjoy friendly and cooperative relations and Pakistan desires to deepen bilateral relations with Cuba in all fields adding that there is considerable potential, which if properly exploited and harnessed, can mutually benefit the two countries.

The President said this while talking to outgoing ambassador of Cuba in Pakistan, Mr. Jesus Zenen Buergo Concepcion, who called on him at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, Islamabad on Wednesday.

The President said that bilateral trade relations between the two countries are much below the actual potential and concerted efforts should be made to expand bilateral trade which will be beneficial for both the countries. The President called for increased interaction at the top leadership level and said that greater people to people contact and frequent exchange of delegations in all fields can further strengthen bilateral relations.

The President appreciated the provision of medical assistance by Cuba to Pakistan in the aftermath of the earthquake in 2005 and thanked Cuba for extending scholarships to over 900 deserving Pakistani medical students noting that after completion of their studies they are rendering useful services in Pakistan.

The President welcomed the restoration of full diplomatic relations between Cuba and the US after more than half a century of sanctions and hoped that this will augur well for world peace.

The President lauded the contribution of the outgoing ambassador for further strengthening bilateral relations between Pakistan and Cuba and wished him success in his future endeavours. The outgoing Cuban ambassador thanked the people and government of Pakistan for making his stay in Pakistan comfortable and fruitful.

PREVIOUS NEXT