Cuba–Solomon Islands relations

Solomon Islands–Cuba relations

Solomon Islands	Cuba

Relations between Solomon Islands and the Republic of Cuba have only a short history. The two countries moved to establish relations from the 2000s, and particularly from 2007, within the context of Cuba's growing interest in the Pacific Islands region. Like other countries in Oceania, Solomon Islands is a beneficiary of Cuban medical aid; bilateral relations between Havana and Honiara must be viewed within the scope of Cuba's regional policy in Oceania.

In April 2007, the Solomon Star reported that the Solomon Islands’ High Commissioner to the United Nations, Colin Beck, was soon to be sworn in as Ambassador to Cuba^[1]. In September 2007, it was announced that 40 Cuban doctors would be sent to Solomon Islands^[2]. Solomons’ Minister of Foreign Affairs Patterson Oti said that Solomon Islander doctors would "learn from their Cuban colleagues in specialized areas". He added that such relations had been "on the drawing board between Solomon Islands and Cuba since 2000"^[3]. In addition to providing doctors, Cuba provided scholarships for 50 Solomon Islanders to study medicine in Cuba for free^[4]. According to a spokesman for Solomon Islands' Ministry of Health, the Solomons are "desperately in need" of doctors, and hence grateful to Cuba for its "much needed assistance".^[5]

In September 2008, Solomons' Foreign Minister William Haomae attended a multilateral Cuba-Pacific summit in Havana, during which participants discussed "strengthening co-operation in health, sports and education". Cuban authorities declared themselves particularly sensitive to Pacific Island countries' struggles in facing the effects of climate change, and confirmed their intention to assist in whatever way they could.^{[6] [7]}

In April 2011, the Solomon Islands announced they would be opening an embassy in Cuba.^[8]

References

1. ^ "Interview process in Cuba", Solomon Star, April 29, 2007
2. ^ "Cuban doctors planned for Solomon Islands", Radio Australia, September 12, 2007
3. ^ "SI/Cuba ties may spark concern", Solomon Star, march 23, 2007
4. ^ "Cuban-trained doctors sorely needed in Solomons". Radio New Zealand International. February 28, 2008. http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=38300. Retrieved September 26, 2011. 
5. ^ "25 More to Leave for Cuba", Solomon Times, September 15, 2008
6. ^ "Pacific and Cuba meet to discuss co-operation". Radio New Zealand International. September 17, 2008. http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=42045. Retrieved September 26, 2011. 
7. ^ "Cuban Foreign Minister Opens Cuba-Pacific Islands Meeting", Cuban News Agency, September 16, 2008
8. ^ "Two new foreign embassies to open", Solomon Star, April 26, 2011