Cuba fully supports peaceful and prosperous Pakistan: envoy

Islamabad
Acknowledging the services and assistance of the Cuban Government in the aftermath of October 2005 earthquake and welcoming Pakistani medical doctors who have graduated from Cuba, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) held a ceremony at its Secretariat on Wednesday. Ambassador of Cuba to Pakistan Jesus Zenen Buergo Concepcion was the chief guest on the occasion.
The ceremony was attended by over 60 doctors who have completed their medical education from Cuba. The excited graduates, who were all praise for Cuban government’s scholarships and HEC’s efficient execution of the project, chanted slogans of ‘Viva Cuba-Viva Pakistan’ on the occasion.
Addressing the audience, the ambassador said that Cuba fully supports a peaceful and prosperous Pakistan and desires a long-lasting friendship between the two countries. He said Pakistan suffered a devastating earthquake in October 2005 that caused heavy losses of life and property, adding that after six days of the tragic calamity on October 14, 2008, the first group of 2,400 Cuban doctors arrived in Islamabad.
He said the government of Cuba did not wait for any call of international help, as it was clear that Pakistan needed urgent help. He said the humanitarian mission successfully accomplished by the medical brigade left in the hearts of its members deep memories. He said the gathering on the 10th Anniversary of the arrival of the first doctors group marks the signs of immense solidarity, brotherhood and friendship.
He maintained that as another gesture of solidarity with the people of Pakistan, Cuba granted 1,000 scholarships to Pakistani students to graduate from Cuba. He expressed confidence that the Pakistani doctors who graduated from Cuba will contribute to increasing medical care to the people in the homeland.
The ambassador said that Pakistan and Cuba will jointly celebrate the next October 28 as the 60th Anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
HEC Chairman Professor Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed expressed gratitude to the people and government of Cuba for its help and assistance at the time of need and urged the audience, especially the graduating doctors, to always remember the services of Cuba.