Maravi

Cuba has given Botswana more aid than rich countries - Khama

Cuba has given Botswana more aid than rich countries - Khama
By Larry Moonze in Havana, Cuba
Sun 13 June 2010, 18:50 CAT

BOTSWANA President Seretse Khama Ian Khama has said Cuba has given more aid to his country than any of the rich countries.

And Botswana foreign minister Phandu Skelemani said the lifting of the US-unilateral blockade against Cuba would in fact benefit America even though Washington is still shy to admit it. President Ian Khama said Cuba’s commitment to the African continent was beyond question.

He said Cuba’s sacrifices had helped bring about stability and independence to the African region.

President Ian Khama said although Cuba did not have military presence in Botswana as was the case in the Angola struggle, it was true that the island’s internationalist combatants contributed to the independence and peace of the whole of southern Africa.

He said Cuba’s assistance to Botswana was enormous and decisive.

“Sometimes in Africa we receive millions of dollars from rich countries,” President Ian Khama said. “However, proportionally speaking, Cuba gives us a lot more than anybody else.”

President Ian Khama who on Tuesday paid tribute to Cuban internationalists who died fighting for the independence of various African countries, said Cuba had contributed a lot in building human resources for many developing countries.

“I told President Raul Castro during our meeting that like many other developing countries we have benefited from the human resources provided by Cuba,” he said.

After laying a floral wreath at the monument dedicated to internationalist fighters in the Colon cemetery in Havana, President Ian Khama also highlighted their contribution to the end of the Apartheid regime in South Africa.


“In our continent we recognize and thank the sacrifice of the Cuban people in favour of the stability and independence of the peoples of our region,” he said.

During the tour of the facility in the company of Cuban deputy foreign minister Marcos Rodriguez Costa, President Ian Khama was informed that Cuba repatriated remains of all soldiers who died in combat in Africa on December 7, 1989.

Cuba had over 360,000 troops in Africa and 2,000 died in combat.

Meanwhile, Cuba and Botswana signed cooperation agreements in health and foreign relations.

After the signing ceremony at Havana’s Ministry of Foreign Relations, Botswana foreign minister Phandu Skelemani said the delegation’s visit to Havana was successful.

“We have been received with open heart and minds and treated like royalty,” Skelemani said.

On the continued US embargo against the communist Cuba, Skelemani said the blockade must be lifted because it is uncalled for.
“And it will be lifted,” he said.

“And when it is lifted people will be surprised how fast Cuba will move up because this country has great potential.

And ending this blockade will be to the benefit of the US even thought they don’t admit it.”

And health minister Dr John Seakgosing said the cooperation agreement he signed with his Cuban counterpart Jose Ramon Balanguer would contribute to strengthening and development of comprehensive medical service in Botswana by Cuba.

“This is one of the best thing that has happened to our country,” said Dr Seakgosing.

“With shortage of manpower any additional staff is crucial. No doubt this will improve medical services in our country.”

Labels: BOTSWANA, CUBA, IAN KHAMA, SANCTIONS

posted by MrK @ 12:01 PM