Kuala Lumpur (VNA) - Malaysia and Cuba have reaffirmed their commitments to strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation as the two countries are celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties this year.
Malaysian Foreign Minister Seri Mohamad Hasan met with his visiting Cuban counterpart Bruno Eduardo Rodriguez Parrilla in Kuala Lumpur on February 13, where discussions focused on enhancing collaboration in trade, health care, education and tourism.
The meeting underscored both countries’ mutual interest in deepening economic engagement and diversifying bilateral trade, Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.
Malaysia recognises Cuba as an important market for Malaysian rubber and palm oil products and sees potential for further collaboration in the food processing sector, it said.
The two sides pledged to continue to cooperate closely through the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP), which has contributed to strengthening ties and facilitating knowledge sharing in key development areas. In particular, in the biomedical field, the two sides explored the possibility of joint research and capacity building initiatives, especially for Malaysia in this area.
On the halal industry, Malaysia is ready to support Cuba with its experience and expertise to identify key areas of cooperation in this sector.
As the Chair of ASEAN in 2025, Malaysia stressed the importance of enhancing ASEAN-Cuba engagement, especially in the diplomatic and economic spheres, and looked forward to closer and greater cooperation with Cuba within the framework of ASEAN-Cuba cooperation. In addition, the Southeast Asian nation looks forward to deeper cooperation within the BRICS to improve socio-economic conditions in the Global South.
Bruno is currently paying an official visit to Malaysia from February 12 - 15, marking his first trip to Malaysia since he assumed office in 2009.
While in Malaysia, Bruno will make a courtesy call on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, work with Parliamentary Special Select Committee on International Relations and International, and carry out a number of other diplomatic activities./.
