Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – 27 January 2017: The African Union Commission Chairperson, H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma met with the Vice President of Cuba, H. E. Mr. Salvador Valdes Mesa, on 27 January 2017, on the margins of the 28th Assembly of Heads of State and Government taking place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The Chairperson and the Vice President discussed relationship between the African Union and Cuba.

The Cuban Vice President conveyed the gratitude of President Raul Castro and the Cuban people to the Chairperson and people of African for the strong show of solidarity following the death of Commandant Fidel Castro. He said expressed gratitude to Chairperson and the 20 African Heads of State who travelled to Cuba for the funeral.

The Vice President also noted that one of the legacies of the late Fidel Castro is the strong link between the people of Cuba and Africa.

On her part, the Chairperson welcomed the Vice President and his delegation, noting that the relationship between Africa and Cuba has been there since when they were students. She said that Cuba remains an inspiration to African. There are a lot of Cubans on the continent working to contribute to creating a prosperous, peaceful and integrated Africa.

They two also discussed the US sanctions on Cuba, appreciating the progress made thus far, but also agreed that there is still much to be done, including fighting against the occupation of Guantanamo.

The Chairperson assured the Cubans of the continued support of the AU member states in supporting the resolution as they have always done.

The AU Commission Chairperson took the opportunity to seek Cuba's support to Africa’s candidate for the Director-General position of the World Health Organisation (WHO), to which the Cuban pledged their support.