Media Statement
23 October 2014
Deputy Minister Landers to undertake a Working Visit to Cuba
The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Luwellyn Landers, will lead a South African delegation to Havana, Cuba for a working visit scheduled for 25-28 October 2014.
The working visit will highlight the celebration of South Africa’s 20 years of freedom and significantly, the achievement of the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Deputy Minister Landers will participate in several events to commemorate 20 years of freedom and diplomatic relations, involving several key stakeholders, including government, the diplomatic community and academia.
The celebration of 20 years of diplomatic bilateral relations between South Africa and Cuba is a major achievement. There are over 30 signed bilateral agreements in place between the two countries covering vast areas of cooperation, that is, arts and culture, defence, education, science and technology, health services, as well as housing.
The Joint Consultative Mechanism (JCM) and Joint Bilateral Commission (JBC) are the two main instruments utilised by the two countries in the conduct of bilateral and economic relations. Deputy Minister Landers hosted his Cuban counterpart for the 11th JCM in September 2014.
South Africa is a beneficiary of Cuba’s ongoing assistance in support of the five priorities of the South African Government, through joint programmes in health, labour, social development, housing and infrastructure.
Under the auspices of the SA-Cuba Health Agreement, more than 1,800 South African students are currently receiving medical training in Cuba this year with a further 620 preparing to add to these numbers during October 2014. So far, more than 420 South Africans from disadvantaged backgrounds have graduated in Cuba as medical doctors, providing much needed primary healthcare services to their local communities.
Whilst in Havana, Deputy Minister Landers will also interact with the South African expatriate community as part of Government’s Public Participation Programme.
Enquiries: Mr Clayson Monyela, 082 884 5974
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
Pretoria
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