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Cuban foreign relations

Strengthening Ties: Zimbabwe and Cuba Foster Cooperation Across Politics, Social, and Economic Domains

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The diplomatic relationship between Zimbabwe and Cuba has yielded significant benefits for both nations, with a strong emphasis on historical ties of friendship, brotherhood, and solidarity. Cuba has been a steadfast ally to Zimbabwe since its independence in 1980, with a notable presence in the education and health sectors. The two countries have collaborated on numerous projects, including medical brigades, joint research initiatives in biotechnology, and educational exchanges. Cuba's vibrant tourism sector is also an area of potential cooperation, with plans to host the International Fair of Tourism in April.

Key Takeaways:

  • Cuba has donated to the Museum of the African Liberation, a project that will continue to receive support.
  • Since 2000, Cuba has sent 14 medical brigades to Zimbabwe, consisting of over 1,000 doctors and health personnel, with a total of 3,000 Zimbabwean graduates in Cuba.
  • Cuba has implemented a governmental system based on science and technology, with a focus on innovation and technology to address challenges.
  • The two countries have joint projects in biotechnology, with Cuban doctors and professors involved in PhD studies and research projects in various areas.
  • Cuba's tourism sector is a possible area for cooperation, with plans to host the International Fair of Tourism in April.
  • Women play a crucial role in both the Cuban and Zimbabwean revolutions, with Cuban women achieving gender parity in science and holding various leadership positions.
  • The blockade imposed by the US on Cuba is a significant obstacle to development, but Zimbabwe and Cuba share a common struggle in the face of Western sanctions.
  • Cooperation in international forums has been a cornerstone of bilateral relations, with Zimbabwe and Cuba standing together against the blockade and unilateral coercive measures.

Statistics:

  • Over 1,000 Cuban doctors and health personnel have been part of 14 medical brigades in Zimbabwe since 2000.
  • Cuba has developed five vaccines in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, with excellent results on the Cuban population.
  • Women comprise 53.8% of the workforce in the scientific sector in Cuba and 68% of categorised researchers.
  • 43% of Cuba's ambassadors are women, while 55.7% of the Members of Parliament in Cuba are women.

Sources:

  • Interview with the Cuban Ambassador to Zimbabwe
  • Speech by the Vice President of Cuba (Salvador Valdes Mesa)
  • Delegation visit by the President of the Council of the States and the President of the National Assembly of the People's Power of Cuba (Juan Esteban Lazo Hernandez)
  • Presidential Decree 198 of 2021 (National Programme for the Advancement of Women)
  • UNICEF report (gender parity in science in Cuba)
  • UNESCO report (Cuba achieving gender parity in scientific research)

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