SA AMBASSADOR EARNS ACCOLADES FOR HIS COUNTRY AT THE SA-CUBA TRADE INDABA

16 June 2009

An atmosphere of positive business engagement today (16 June 2009) dominated the "Business to Business" seminar between the 60-strong South African business delegation and their Cuban counterparts, with South African Ambassador to Cuba Justice Piitso earning his country accolades from delegates at the watershed gathering in the Cuban capital Havana.

The local business delegation, led by Water and Environmental Affairs Deputy Minister Rejoyce Mabudafhasi is in Cuba to boost economic and trade relations between South Africa and Cuba. The trip is organized by the African National Congress-Aligned Progressive Business Forum (PBF) and the Cuban Chamber of Commerce.

In a day that saw South Africa and Cuban politicians united in a call for an end to United States economic and financial blockade of Cuba, Ambassador Piitso - in a gesture of solidarity with the suffering people of Cuba - presented a cheque of $2 million to Cuban Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment Ramon Ripoll. A thunderous applause and a standing ovation for South Africa from delegates showed Cuba's appreciation at the gesture.

In his address, Piitso said the seminar reaffirmed South Africa's longstanding commitment to strengthen relations between the two countries. Piisto hailed Cuba's struggle against colonialism and global solidarity with the working class as "50 years of unbroken service to the people" which made Cuba "an outstanding and best school of world revolution". "The only way we can overcome these challenges of economic blockade of Cuba and recession is to forge ahead in unity and build a new world social order," said Piitso.

He added: "It is important to put theory into practice. Time has come for us to exploit our potential to the fullest. Let us make our economies self reliant."

In his address, Cuban Foreign Trade and Investment Deputy Minister Ripoll thanked South Africa for the humanitarian gesture of $2 million saying it would go towards the aftermath of the recent hurricane disasters which cost Cuba millions.

Turning to the United States Ripoll said: "We have good relations with all countries except one - the United States. We have fought this blockade for years and with your help, will continue to wage the campaign. If - as you did - landed at Madrid International Airport, you will notice big monies exchanging hands but Cuba cannot operate a business in that same airport because of the United States blockade."

Bilateral business meetings aimed at securing deals from both countries were held at the end of the seminar.

Issued by:
Brian Sokutu
African National Congress