Havana: The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr. Alvin Botes, is undertaking an official visit to Havana, Republic of Cuba. He is there to co-chair the 18th South Africa-Cuba Joint Consultative Mechanism (JCM) alongside his Cuban counterpart, First Deputy Foreign Minister, Mr. Gerardo Peñalver Portal.
According to African Press Organization, the 18th JCM is occurring amidst the backdrop of strong bilateral and fraternal ties between the two nations, which extend beyond the formal establishment of diplomatic relations in May 1994. The visit underscores the enduring relationship between South Africa and Cuba.
Bilateral cooperation between the two countries covers key sectors such as Health, Basic and Higher Education, Science, Innovation and Technology, Defence, Trade and Economic Cooperation, Water and Sanitation, Human Settlements, as well as Sports, Arts and Culture. The JCM serves as a platform for both delegations to reaffirm their commitment to these existing partnerships and to explore further opportunities for sectorial collaboration.