South Africa, Cuba Reaffirm Longstanding Partnership

Discussions during the meeting focused on the strong bonds forged during South Africa’s struggle against apartheid, when Cuba provided support to liberation movements.

South Africa and Cuba have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations following a meeting between Deputy President Paul Mashatile and Cuba's Ambassador to South Africa, Fakri Rodríguez Pinelo, in Johannesburg.

The courtesy visit highlighted the deep historical relationship between the two nations, a partnership that has endured for decades and continues to be shaped by shared political values, development cooperation and mutual support on international issues. According to South Africa's Presidency, the meeting served as an opportunity for both sides to reaffirm their friendly ties and explore ways to deepen cooperation for the benefit of their citizens.

Shared History Continues to Shape Modern Cooperation

Discussions during the meeting focused on the strong bonds forged during South Africa's struggle against apartheid, when Cuba provided support to liberation movements. That shared history remains a key pillar of the relationship between the two countries. Deputy President Mashatile noted that South Africa and Cuba continue to be united by common principles, including respect for sovereignty, commitment to multilateralism, adherence to international law and support for peaceful cooperation among developing nations.

"We are committed to sustaining and strengthening this cooperation for the mutual benefit of our peoples," Mashatile said during the discussions. The Deputy President also welcomed the broad range of cooperation programmes currently underway between the two countries. Areas of collaboration include healthcare, education, infrastructure development, water and sanitation, science and innovation, as well as sports, arts and cultural exchanges.

Officials described these sectors as strategic priorities that continue to contribute to development and people-to-people connections.

South Africa Reiterates Support for Cuba

The meeting also looked ahead to future engagements, including the 19th Session of the South Africa-Cuba Joint Consultative Mechanism (JCM), which South Africa is expected to host later this year. The mechanism serves as an important platform for reviewing bilateral cooperation and identifying new opportunities for partnership. Mashatile reaffirmed South Africa's longstanding solidarity with the Cuban people and reiterated support for the removal of the United States embargo and other unilateral measures imposed on Cuba.

According to the Presidency, South Africa believes the restrictions have contributed to serious humanitarian and economic challenges for the island nation. The meeting reflected the continued importance both countries place on maintaining strong diplomatic relations and expanding cooperation in areas that support development, economic growth and social progress. As South Africa and Cuba prepare for further engagements later this year, both governments appear keen to build on a partnership rooted in history while addressing contemporary challenges together.