Remarks by the Minister of Health of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Michael Damianos, at the event entitled “Cyprus–Cuba: A glimpse into 65 years of diplomatic relations”

From:

Ministry of Health

17/10/25 20:03 | Speech / Address | Foreign Policy, Health

It is an honour to join you today, on behalf of the President of the Republic of Cyprus, to mark 65 years of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Cuba and the Republic of Cyprus, built on friendship, mutual respect, and people-to-people connections.

Although separated by an ocean – the Atlantic – and two Seas – the Mediterranean and the Caribbean – Cyprus and Cuba share the character of island nations: connected to the sea, proud of their unique and rich cultures, resilient, embodying social solidarity, warm, and hospitable. Cuba was among the first countries to recognise the Republic of Cyprus upon its independence, on 22 November 1960, laying the foundations for a relationship rooted in the core principles of the United Nations Charter, including sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence.

Despite the geographic distance, the two countries have developed friendly relations, with bilateral engagements at diplomatic, political, economic, social, and technical levels. Over the years, numerous bilateral agreements and Memoranda of Understanding have been concluded, promoting cooperation in areas such as science, education, culture, the fight against drug trafficking, health, tourism, and sport. The presence of resident Diplomatic Missions in Lefkosia and Havana, as well as the establishment of Parliamentary Friendship Groups in both national Parliaments, support the continued and substantive bilateral engagement between the two countries.

Cooperation between Cyprus and Cuba has also extended to international fora and in the context of other international organisations throughout history, including the Non-Aligned Movement, of which Cyprus was a member until its departure in the early 2000s.

At the people-to-people level, exchanges between our nations remain important, with an increasing number of Cypriots visiting Cuba and becoming acquainted with its natural beauty, rich culture, and vibrant history.

Cyprus has also stood by the Cuban people in times of need, providing humanitarian assistance whenever required – to help address economic challenges, including through the delivery of medical supplies, and in the aftermath of natural disasters such as Hurricanes Rafael and Oscar.

With this opportunity, allow me to express our deepest appreciation to the Republic of Cuba for its consistent and principled position on the Cyprus Question, and for its support of our efforts to achieve a just and comprehensive settlement, in accordance with the United Nations Security Council Resolutions.

Cyprus also views its relationship with Cuba within the broader framework of European Union (EU)–Cuba relations. The EU–Cuba Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement, now in its eighth year, provides a solid basis for engagement and constructive dialogue, especially on the advancement of human rights. The EU is also Cuba’s main export destination and trading partner, the largest foreign investor in the country, and one of the largest providers of humanitarian and development aid. In this context, Cyprus strongly supports the strengthening of ties between the EU and the broader Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region. During the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2026, EU–LAC bi-regional cooperation will feature prominently on the agenda.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today’s exhibition, organised by the Press and Information Office of the Republic of Cyprus and the Embassy of Cuba, under the auspices of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, takes us on a journey through time, highlighting moments that have defined 65 years of relations between Cyprus and Cuba. The photographs and materials from the archives of the Press and Information Office, as well as from other sources, highlight the history of our diplomatic relations and exchanges.

I would also like to take this opportunity to extend my thanks to Ambassador Suárez Cordero for his role in organising this event.

Dear Ambassador,

As your diplomatic tenure comes to an end, I would like to thank you, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus, for your contribution to the advancement of Cyprus–Cuba relations, and wish you every success in your future endeavours.

With these words, I would like to once again thank the organisers of this event and to express the hope that the friendship between Cyprus and Cuba will continue to flourish – across oceans and seas, and across generations.

Thank you.

(DK/GS/KA)

Remarks by the Minister of Health of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Michael Damianos, at the event entitled “Cyprus–Cuba: A glimpse into 65 years of diplomatic relations”

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