New Cuban ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Enrique Prieto yesterday hailed historical relations between his country and Zimbabwe while lambasting Western aggression against third world countries.

Speaking to journalists after paying a courtesy call on Vice President John Landa Nkomo at his Munhumutapa offices yesterday, Ambassador Prieto said the West wanted to keep a grip on sovereign countries such as Zimbabwe and Cuba.

“We must defend our sovereignty and our independence against western aggression. The West will continue to keep a grip on us,” he said.

Ambassador Prieto said the good relations between Cuba and Zimbabwe were evidenced by the close co-operation in the medical field.

Cuba has been sending medical personnel to Zimbabwe since 1992.

He said 115 doctors were operating in the country’s 10 provinces, while his Government had also offered scholarships to Zimbabwean students in various fields including medicine.

Ambassador Prieto said Cuba respected the Global Political Agreement that led to the formation of the inclusive Government in Zimbabwe between Zanu-PF and the MDC formations.

He said that the political arrangement was an internal affair.

He praised the good working relations between partners to the inclusive Government.
Zimbabwe and Cuba enjoy good relations dating back to the days of the liberation struggle.

By Zimnet Radio