Malaysia, Cuba enjoy successful relations since 1975 – ambassador

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Cuba, which started diplomatic relations i n 19 75, have achieved successful cooperation in various fields in the past 40 years.

Cuban ambassador to Malaysia, Ruben Perez Valdez said cooperation between the t wo countries, such as in biotechnolog y, education, health and in internationa l organisations, had further st reng t hened t hei r bi latera l relations.

“The relationship between Malaysia and Cuba has been very good and successful these past 40 years. We have had close cooperation without any interruption.

“We also respect each other and both parties do not i nter fere i n t he i nter na l af fairs of other countries” he told Bernama after attending an event celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Bi latera l Relations Between Cuba and Malaysia at the Malaysia Tourism Centre here yesterday.

A documentary film titled, “They call me Cuba”, was also shown at the event.

Despite the Cold War between capitalism and communism in 1975, Malaysia’s second Prime Minister Tun Abdul Razak Hussein decided to widen the country’s horizons by establishing ties with communist-led Cuba at that time.

Commenting on former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s role in MalaysiaCuba relations, Va ldes said Dr Mahathir cultivated the relationship and had played a vital role in strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries.

Valdez hoped that with a 40 years of friendship, the two countries would continue to explore other mutual ly benef icia l sectors i n fut u re. – Bernama