Ambassador Ruben was speaking in an interview with The Point on the diplomatic relations between the two nations at his Embassy, where he said they (Cubans) were being trained to make the relationship much stronger.
He further said that they have a very good relationship with The Gambia Foreign Affairs Ministry, adding: “We discuss as brothers with the respect for the decision of each country.”
He revealed that the Cuban President recently invited President Adama Barrow for an official visit to Cuba.
He said the invitation was purposely to strengthen and enforce the bilateral relationship between the two countries. “This is a good opportunity to strengthen our relations,” he stated with optimism.
In relations to the health sector, Ambassador Sir Ruben said they also wanted to work in the training of health professionals in Cuba, by getting doctors to go to Cuba to specialise in particular areas.
However, he pointed out the need for financial support for the possible studies, adding that they had been discussing with the health authorities in The Gambia to find the financial support to have these specialists go to Cuba for more specialisation.
He said: “We have also worked in the field of sport and are working towards signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Higher Education.
“We will be in The Gambia as long the Government and the people of The Gambia want us to be here. We have the moral commitment.”
He said both countries had registered achievements through the support of each other, noting that Cuba and The Gambia do share opinions on all international affairs and that The Gambia has been together with Cuba in the struggle against the blockage. “We support The Gambia in all the ideas in favour of peace in relation to human rights,” he cited.
On challenges, he pointed out: “The only challenge we have encountered is to strengthen our collaboration. Sometimes we sign some documents on Memorandum of Understanding, but the implementation does not come true from both sides. That is a challenge we should overcome to achieve success.”
