Cuba, Malaysia Eye Deeper Partnership As Diplomatic Ties Turn 51

By Zarul Effendi Razali

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 6 (Bernama) -- After more than five decades of diplomatic relations, Cuba and Malaysia are moving to deepen their partnership in trade, biotechnology, healthcare and renewable energy, Cuba’s Ambassador to Malaysia Yadira Ledesma Hernández said.

Marking the 51st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations on Feb 6, 1975, she said bilateral ties have evolved from formal diplomatic engagement into meaningful partnerships across multiple sectors, underpinned by mutual respect and political solidarity despite the geographical distance between the two countries.

“Despite the geographical distance between Malaysia and Cuba, the establishment of diplomatic relations boosted exchange between the two nations. Our diplomatic relationship has been characterised by political dialogue, solidarity and cooperation.

“Over five decades, our ties have expanded from diplomatic engagement to concrete cooperation in areas such as health, education, culture and multilateral diplomacy,” she said in an interview with Bernama.

Ledesma said the relationship has evolved steadily, underpinned by mutual understanding, respect for international law and close coordination of positions.

Key milestones over the years include the opening of embassies in both capitals, regular high-level exchanges, and cooperation agreements in health, education, sports and culture.

“A particularly meaningful achievement has been collaboration in the medical field, including Cuba’s support in human resource training through medical scholarships,” she said, adding that both countries also coordinate consistently at the United Nations as well as within the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the Group of 77 and China.

Describing current ties as strong, Ledesma said political and diplomatic engagement remains active and constructive, with both governments sharing commitments to multilateralism and peaceful coexistence.

“Our people and government appreciate Malaysia’s traditional support for Cuba’s just demand to end the genocidal economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States for more than 60 years, and its determination to condemn the unjustifiable continued inclusion of Cuba on the spurious and unilateral list of state sponsors of terrorism,” she said.

Looking ahead, Ledesma identified trade, biotechnology, healthcare, renewable energy, tourism, higher education and digital innovation as underexplored areas with strong growth potential, noting that these sectors align with Malaysia’s economic diversification and Cuba’s scientific strengths.

“Biotechnology and pharmaceuticals are particularly promising due to Cuba’s internationally recognised scientific institutions,” she said, adding that tourism and renewable energy also offer attractive opportunities, especially through Cuba’s foreign investment framework and the Mariel Special Development Zone.

On healthcare cooperation, she said Cuba’s research capabilities could complement Malaysia’s manufacturing strengths.

“These capabilities can complement Malaysia’s manufacturing and distribution capacities. Joint ventures, technology transfer and research collaboration could strengthen both nations’ healthcare systems and contribute to regional health,” she said, referring to Cuba’s biopharmaceutical ecosystem under BioCubaFarma.

The embassy is stepping up efforts to enhance business connectivity by promoting participation in trade events such as the Havana International Fair and coordinating with Malaysian agencies, including the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), to organise trade missions and forums.

At the multilateral level, Ledesma said both countries share similar perspectives as developing nations and strong advocates of South-South cooperation, particularly within the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the Group of 77 and China.

The embassy is likewise stepping up efforts to promote tourism and cultural exchanges, highlighting Cuba’s heritage, music and cuisine, and noting that travel is facilitated by a visa waiver arrangement for Malaysians.

“Cuba is open for cooperation and investment under a transparent legal framework. Our country is a reliable partner. We invite Malaysian partners to explore opportunities in strategic sectors and also to view Cuba as a gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean,” she said.

Expressing optimism for the future, Ledesma said both nations aim to deepen economic and scientific collaboration over the next decade.

“Our vision is to deepen economic cooperation, expand scientific and educational exchanges, and strengthen political dialogue. We aspire to transform our historical friendship into a more dynamic partnership that benefits both peoples,” she said.

-- BERNAMA