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His Excellency, the Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa, Mr Paul Mashatile, today, Friday, 05 June 2026, received a courtesy visit from the Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to South Africa, His Excellency Mr Fakri Rodríguez Pinelo, in Johannesburg.

The courtesy call reaffirmed the historically friendly ties between the governments and peoples of South Africa and Cuba and highlighted Cuba's willingness to continue deepening bilateral relations for the mutual benefit of both countries.

Discussions focused on the strong historical ties between South Africa and Cuba, which are anchored in Cuba's support for South Africa's liberation struggle and the shared values of sovereignty, multilateralism, respect for international law, peace and South-South cooperation.

The Deputy President welcomed the longstanding bilateral cooperation between the two countries, encompassing health, education, infrastructure development, water and sanitation, science and innovation, as well as sports, arts and cultural exchange, noting that these areas remain strategic priorities for both nations.

"We are committed to sustaining and strengthening this cooperation for the mutual benefit of our peoples," said Deputy President Mashatile.

The Deputy President further expressed South Africa's anticipation of hosting the 19th Session of the South Africa-Cuba Joint Consultative Mechanism (JCM) later this year.
 
The Deputy President reaffirmed South Africa's enduring solidarity with Cuba and expressed South Africa's support for the lifting of the  US embargo and unilateral coercive measures against Cuba which have caused devastating humanitarian and socio-economic difficulties for the people of Cuba. 

Issued by Keith Khoza, Acting Spokesperson to the Deputy President