Cuban Acting Foreign Minister Marcelino Medina welcomed the South African minister, who is on her first official visit to Cuba, and the delegation accompanying her in the headquarters of the Foreign Affairs Ministry in Havana.
 

Nkoana-Mashabane highlighted the importance of the Cuba-South Africa Joint
Intergovernmental Commission underway in Havana, and she sent greetings to
the Cuban government and people on behalf of her country’s leadership.
 

Cuba and South Africa established diplomatic relations on May 11, 1994.
 

At present, the two countries maintain important collaboration bonds in the fields of health, professional training and construction.
 

In addition, the two governments are evaluating the potentials for the development of bilateral trade.
 

Cuba’s medical cooperation with South Africa started in 1996. Up to date, more than 4,000 health experts from the island have worked in that African country as part of collaboration programs.
 

Meanwhile, more than 500 South African students have graduated in Cuba, including 289 from medical education centers.
 

The education program also includes the training of social workers in South Africa.
 

This nation has historically supported Cuba in its fight against the U.S. economic, financial and commercial blockade and it is an active member of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries.