The Cuban Embassy in Banjul, yesterday observed the 50th Independence Anniversary of Cuba, at a reception ceremony held at the Kairaba Beach Hotel.

The reception brought together government and private sector officials, members of the Cuban community in The Gambia and media practitioners. Dr Omar Touray, secretary of state for Foreign Affairs who deputised for President Jammeh at the occasion said, the Cuban revolution has enabled the government and people of Cuba to give substance to the ideals of South-South Cooperation.

"For 50 years, Cuba has stood by its African brothers and sisters first in their fight against colonialism and then the struggle against modern scourges and diseases. Today Cuban medical professionals are active participants in the health sector of the majority of African countries.  Cuba remains an important partner in many other areas too", he said.

He added that the foreign relations of The Gambia over the past 14 years has been appreciated and important. According to him,  President Jammeh attaches great importance to The Gambia-Cuba relations.  These relations he went on, are not merely sentimental but are based on solid partnership and genuine friendship.  

"As I speak to you, not only do we have a large number of Gambian students undergoing training in Cuban institutions of higher learning but there are Cuban medical scientists at the faculty of Infant Medical School in the University of The Gambia" he concluded.  

For his part, the Cuban Ambassador to The Gambia, HE Carlos M. Salsamendi, who also doubled as the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in The Gambia, spoke at length on the cuban revolution and its impact on the lives of both Cuban national and other nationalities throughout the world, especially in Africa.

"The victory of Cuban Revolution paved the way for a new system based on the principles of social justice, collective well-being and human solidarity, as inscribed in the Cuban Constitution and also for outstanding socio-economic achievements.  

Our history for the past 50 years has proven that the Cuban people are consciously ready to overcome temporary difficulties and conducive striving for its welfare at the same time defending our rights to freedom and development in peace", he said. He expressed deep sense of gratitude to the invited guest for honouring their invitation.