BY PAUL GABRIEL

KUALA LUMPUR: Inspired by Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s visit to Havana, Cuba has proposed a varied year-long “agenda” to mark the 30th anniversary of the establishment of ties between the two countries.

During the Prime Minister's three-day visit in November, he was bestowed the Order of Jose Marti, Cuba’s highest award for foreign heads of state and governments, by President Fidel Castro.

The private sector of both countries also signed several agreements, mainly involving advancements in biotechnology and biomedicine.

Cuban Ambassador to Malaysia Pedro Monzon Barata said his country was out to set the stage for increased cooperation with Malaysia.

“Prime Minister Abdullah has established very strong links with Cuba, and our people and government are very appreciative of his gestures. Things are going to move at a fast pace indeed this year,” he added in an interview.

The two countries established diplomatic relations on Feb 6, 1975.

Cuba has proposed that the celebrations committee be headed by Cuban sporting legend Alberto Juantorena, who won gold for the Caribbean island nation in both the 400m and 800m at the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games.

 
Flashback to the meeting between the Prime Minister and Fidel Castro in Havana in November 2004.
Officials said one of the highlights of the commemorative events would be Castro’s planned trip to Kuala Lumpur to reciprocate Abdullah’s visit.

Exchange of tourist visits, “Cuban extravaganzas” at leading hotels here, a Cuban “cinema week” at MidValley Megamall, art exhibitions by famed Cuban artists and “informative cocktails” are also being organised.

Barata said Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Azalina Othman Said’s official visit to Cuba from today would also foster closer collaboration.

“The minister will meet with Juantorena and senior Cuban sports officials. We can offer our expertise in sports such as boxing, athletics, volleyball, basketball and weightlifting to help Malaysia raise its standards,” he added.

On the follow-up to Abdullah’s visit, he said Cuban scientists were already working on an anti-cancer vaccine, Hepatitis B vaccine and shrimp growth enhancement technology as agreed upon by the private sector of the two nations.

Cuban scientists, he added, were also capable of producing a vaccine for dengue fever, which would be very useful for tropical countries like Malaysia.