Cuba, Malaysia Diplomatic Ties Built On Respect And Friendship

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 13 (Bernama) -- Marking 50 years of diplomatic ties, the Embassy of Cuba in Malaysia reaffirmed the strong friendship and mutual respect that have defined relations between the two nations since their establishment on February 6, 1975.

In a recent Facebook post, Embajada de Cuba en Malasia (Embassy of Cuba in Malaysia) highlighted key milestones in the bilateral partnership, celebrating five decades of cooperation and shared commitment.

“On this 50th anniversary, we remember the milestones of relations between Cuba and Malaysia, whose foundations have been formed from respect and friendship,” the embassy stated.

Cuba opened its embassy in Kuala Lumpur on 1997, while Malaysia opened its representation in Havana in February 2001. 

At present, citizens of both countries holding valid passports are exempt from obtaining a visa or tourist card for stays of up to 90 days in the other country, under the Partial Visa Requirement Agreement signed on 26 September 1997 between Malaysia and Cuba. 

 Former Cuban President Fidel Castro Ruz made a high-level visit in 2001, and was received by the then Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Sahahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Alhaj.

During that visit,  His Majesty awarded Commander in Chief Fidel Castro Ruz the Most Exalted Order of the Crown of the Realm, it added.

The embassy said, in the same year, 2001, after the death of the King  Sultan Sahahuddin, Cuba declared official mourning.

In 2003, Castro returned to Malaysia to participate in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit.

Meanwhile, the embassy stated that more than 20 Malaysian medical students have graduated in Cuba, received full scholarship offered by the Cuban government to become doctors. 

-- BERNAMA