01 March 2017 HAVANA, CUBA — The revitalization of Philippine-Cuba relations under the administration of President Rodrigo R. Duterte was confirmed during the visit of the Philippine Ambassador to Mexico Eduardo Jose A. de Vega, who presented his credentials as non-resident Ambassador to Cuba on February 22.

During his visit, Ambassador de Vega, conveyed to Cuban officials, including Vice-President Gladys María Vejerano Fortilla and Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, the keen desire of President Duterte to continue the revitalization of the bilateral relations between both countries.

He cited the recent visit in November 2016 by the Philippine delegation headed by Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial. Ambassador de Vega further stated that the Philippines values its relations with Cuba, based on the common Hispanic heritage and historic bonds between the two countries, as well as the Philippine government’s aim to maintain good relations with all countries on the basis of mutual respect and friendly cooperation.

Vice-President Vejerano thanked Ambassador de Vega for his message and expressed Cuba´s similar desire to enhance the bilateral relations, while noting the on-going transformation in Cuba’s economy and its relations with the world. In addition, the Vice-President also thanked the Philippines for its support for Cuba´s call for the lifting of the U.S. economic embargo.

During this visit to Havana, Ambassador de Vega also met with the Filipino community in Cuba. The accompanying staff of the Philippine Embassy provided consular services to passport renewal applicants. END