The Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday extended warm congratulations to President Raul Castro who has just succeeded his brother in the leadership of the Cuban people, noting that his past experience gave every assurance that he was well suited to the task entrusted to him.
A statement from the ministry reiterated Guyana’s “commitment to working closely with the Government of the Republic of Cuba to further enhance our cooperation programmes not only at the bilateral level but within the context of the CARICOM/Cuba relationship.”
And while wishing the 76-year-old Raul Castro much success for the future, the ministry noted that Guyana valued greatly the contribution which the Cuban government had made and continues to make to the development of critical sectors of the society, especially in the areas of health, education, sports and culture.
The statement recalled too that Guyana and Cuba have enjoyed a “full and mature relationship for almost 36 years built on the solid foundation of dynamic political dialogue, warm mutual respect, productive cooperation and vibrant people to people contact.”
The ministry also said that Fidel Castro, 81, who has retired as President of the Councils of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Republic of Cuba will long be remembered for the tremendous contribution he has made to the improvement of the quality of life of his people and his strong adherence to the principles of freedom and self-determination.
The ministry said that on behalf of the Government and people of Guyana it wished him continued good health and strength in his retirement years.
