Havana, Nov 12 (NationPress) The Union Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita, engaged in discussions with Cuba's Deputy Prime Ministers, Oscar Perez-Oliva Fraga and Eduardo Martinez Diaz, in Havana on Wednesday. The focus was on enhancing cooperation between India and Cuba in areas such as Digital Public Infrastructure, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, cultural exchanges, Early Warning Systems, and development partnerships.

After the meeting, Margherita posted on X, stating: "It was a pleasure to meet the two Deputy Prime Ministers of Cuba, H.E. Oscar Perez-Oliva Fraga and H.E. Eduardo Martinez Diaz, in Havana. We had fruitful discussions aimed at bolstering India-Cuba cooperation in areas including Digital Public Infrastructure, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, cultural exchanges, Early Warning Systems, and development partnerships. Both parties reaffirmed their dedication to advancing robust South-South solidarity."

Diaz also shared insights on X regarding the meeting, noting: "In our meeting with the Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles from India, we explored opportunities for enhancing collaboration in sectors like Education, Health, Sports, Tourism, Biotechnology, and more."

Margherita paid tribute at the Jose Marti Memorial in Havana, honoring Cuba’s national hero. He remarked on X: "I paid homage at the José Martí Memorial in Havana, remembering Cuba’s national hero and reaffirming the shared principles of freedom, dignity, and solidarity that unite India and Cuba."

He also witnessed the signing of the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty on Criminal Matters and the India-Cuba Cultural Exchange Programme (2025–2030), which he deemed a milestone for bilateral relations.

During this visit, MoS Margherita met with Cuba's Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gerardo Penalver Portal. They reviewed the progress of bilateral cooperation and discussed expanding engagement in mutual interests.

Subsequently, Margherita tweeted: "Had a productive meeting with the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. Gerardo Peñalver Portal in Havana. We reviewed the advancements in bilateral cooperation and discussed expanding our engagement in various fields."

On Tuesday, Margherita also met with Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez, focusing on enhancing bilateral cooperation. Following their meeting, he posted on X: "I met with the President of Cuba, Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez, and discussed aspects of our bilateral cooperation."

He visited the Fidel Castro Centre in Havana to pay his respects to Cuban leadership and the profound ties of friendship between India and Cuba.

The MoS arrived in Havana on Monday for an official visit after concluding his trip to Bolivia, where he represented India at the inauguration of Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz Pereira.