The opening of a new UAE diplomatic mission in Cuba is a welcome milestone for both the UAE and the Caribbean republic. Both nations agreed to strengthen bilateral relations during the inauguration of the UAE Embassy in Havana by Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Foreign Minister. But more importantly, their agreements on air services and solar energy will give bilateral business a major momentum.
Although the UAE established diplomatic relations with Cuba in 2002, upgrading them to the current robust level is a testimony to the massive scope of social, cultural and trade opportunities that lie ahead for both nations. For Cuba, forging closer ties with the UAE marks yet more progress in its journey to rebuild its foreign relations, following the collapse of the Soviet bloc. While the UAE has committed to helping Cuba modernise its infrastructure capabilities with multi-million dollar investments — the solar energy farm and a prospective airport being cases in point — Cuba’s support for the Arab people in their struggle to maintain their independence and territorial integrity is reassuring indeed. As the world begins to take a keener interest in Cuba, the stronger relations place the UAE in a unique position to help connect global citizens with the magic of the Caribbean.
