Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Alvin Botes, attended the commemoration of the 32nd anniversary of diplomatic relations between South Africa and Cuba at the Cuban Embassy in Pretoria on 11 May 2026.
The event was hosted by the Ambassador of Cuba to South Africa, Fakri Rodríguez Pinelo, and brought together diplomats, government officials, and invited guests to celebrate more than three decades of bilateral cooperation and solidarity between the two nations.
The commemoration highlighted the enduring historical relationship between South Africa and Cuba, rooted in shared struggles against colonialism and apartheid, as well as a longstanding commitment to international solidarity and development cooperation.
Speaking during the occasion, Deputy Minister Alvin Botes reaffirmed the importance of the partnership between Pretoria and Havana, noting that diplomatic relations between the two countries continue to play a meaningful role in political cooperation, education, healthcare, and international engagement.
Over the years, Cuba and South Africa have maintained strong bilateral ties through various cooperation agreements and people-to-people exchanges. The relationship has also been strengthened through collaboration in multilateral forums and continued support on issues affecting the Global South.
The anniversary celebration served as both a reflection on the historic ties between the two countries and a renewed commitment to further strengthening diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations in the years ahead.
The commemoration at the Cuban Embassy in Pretoria once again underscored the significance of the Cuba–South Africa partnership as one of the enduring diplomatic relationships on the African continent.
