13 Dec 2016

The outgoing ambassador of Cuba, Mr Juan Corrales has been appreciated for his unrelenting efforts to deepen the scope of bilateral relations between Botswana and Cuba.

Speaking during a farewell reception for Ambassador Corrales in Gaborone on December 9, the acting Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation, Mr Eric Molale, thanked the ambassador for his commitment in supporting Botswana.

Mr Molale said Ambassador Corrales had been a true friend of Botswana, adding that he believed nothing would ever separate them since they had fond memories in pursuit of the common areas of interest for the benefit of the two countries.

Mr Molale stated that Ambassador Corrales had worked tirelessly to deepen collaboration between Botswana and Cuba in the sectors critical to Botswana such as health, education and sports.

He appreciated the secondment of Cuba doctors to Botswana, saying they were deployed in various hospitals and health posts throughout the country.

He noted the tireless efforts not only to diversify the services of Cuban health professionals, but to also increase their numbers so that the provision of quality health services could be accessed by all those in need.

Regarding education, Mr Molale noted that Botswana had over the years, benefited from the Cuban technical assistance through the provision of teachers in both the secondary schools and colleges of education in the areas where there has been a critical shortage such as in subjects of physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics and agriculture.

He also hailed Cuba for offering training to a good number of Batswana in disciplines such as medicine, physical education, sports, computer engineering, civil engineering, veterinary medicine, informatics, telecommunications and accounting.

Mr Molale further appreciated Cuba’s continued assistance to Botswana in the field of sports.

He mentioned that Botswana has received many Cuban technical experts in various disciplines who have contributed significantly to the development of sports in the field of volley-ball, athletics, boxing, basketball and physiotherapy.

He also said that Botswana and Cuba continue to exchange high level visits, which he said are instrumental in cementing the relations between friendly states.

For his part Ambassador Corrales appreciated the support of Botswana.

He said the relationship with Botswana was established 39 years ago and continue to share common interest and values.

Ambassador Corrales thanked Botswana for willingly sharing their resources with Cuba. ENDS