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The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Luwellyn Landers, has concluded his Working Visit to Havana, Cuba, which took place on 25 to 29 October 2014. The objective of the visit was to consolidate the already strong bilateral and socio-economic relations between South Africa and Cuba.

During the visit, Deputy Minister Landers visited the Park of the African Heroes in Havana, where a wreath was laid at the bust of the South African liberation struggle icon Oliver Reginald Tambo. The ceremony was held in honour of the celebration of South Africa’s 20 years of freedom and democracy. The year 2014 also marks the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between South Africa and Cuba.

Deputy Minister Landers held bilateral talks with the Cuban Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment, Ms Ileana Nunez Mordoche. The meeting noted and welcomed the ongoing efforts of the two countries to elevate bilateral trade and commercial relations. Deputy Minister Landers welcomed the training of over 1800 South African medical students on Cuban scholarships.

The Deputy Minister also toured the Che Guevara Studies Centre in Havana where he also paid a courtesy call on Mrs Aleida Guevara, the Head of the Centre and widow of Ernesto Che Guevara.

Deputy Minister Landers met with the South African expatriate community and also delivered a public lecture on South Africa’s 20 years of freedom and democracy. Cuba is an established key partner of South Africa in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Issued by Government