Vice President Hamid Ansari met former President of Cuba Fidel Castro in Havana last night. Mr Ansari's meeting with the 87-year old Castro reflects the warmth in the relationship between India and Cuba, two of the founding members of the Non Aligned Movement. This is for the first time in several months that Mr Castro met a foreign dignitary. The last meeting Mr Castro had was with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in July. Castro has been in poor health and demitted office in July 2006. Mr Ansari also met Cuban President Raul Castro. The two leaders discussed matters of mutual interest.
Meanwhile, India and Cuba have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU for cooperation in broadcasting between Prasar Bharati and Cuban Radio and Television Institute, ICRT. Under the agreement both countries will explore co-production opportunites on matters of mutual interest. Our correspondent accompanying the Vice President reports that the MoU between Prasar Bharati and Cuban ICRT has opened up a plethora of opportunities to share the rich cultural assets and experiences of both countries. Bollywood films screened in Cuba during weekends are a big hit with people. The pact would facilitate exchange programmes in fields of cultural entertainment, education, science, sports and news. It also opens up avenues for co-production of broadcast content for creative ventures including films and coverage of events. Cubans are admired by Indians for their success as brave revolutionary people who continue to inspire those fighting for social equality. For India, it’s a strong embrace of long trusted friendship to forge ahead through mutual coopertion.Earlier, Mr Ansari held delegation level talks with Cuban leaders. He also inaugurated a Festival of India that began with “Nrityaroopa”, a fusion of six classical dances, greeted with applause from thousands of Cubans. The Vice President also visited the Biotechnology Centre in Havana, where he hailed the “pioneering work” done by it and underlined “immense possibilities” for cooperation between the two countries in the area.
Mr Ansari laid floral tributes at the memorial of Cuban national hero Jose Marti. Mr. Ansari said, the Jose Marti Memorial at Revolution Plaza symbolizes the success of the Cuban Revolution and its ideals of Justice and equality. The Vice President also visited the Centre of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology in Havana. Mr. Ansari said, tremendous scope exists between India and Cuba for cooperation in the field of life sciences. The Vice President has left for London after completion of his two-day visit to Cuba.
