Singapore and Cuba discuss enhancing collaboration in trade, biotechnology, and multilateral engagements.
Singapore – Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cuba, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, concluded an official visit to Singapore from 15 to 18 February 2025. During his stay, he engaged in a series of high-level meetings aimed at enhancing bilateral relations and exploring avenues for multilateral cooperation.
On 17 February, Minister Rodríguez met with Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong, as well as Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, at the Istana. The leaders reaffirmed the strong ties between Singapore and Cuba, highlighting their collaboration in multilateral forums such as the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement, the G77+China, and the Alliance of Small Island States. They also exchanged views on current international and regional developments.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan hosted Minister Rodríguez for a luncheon on the same day. Their discussions focused on expanding bilateral cooperation in areas including trade, biotechnology, and health. They also explored opportunities for greater engagement between ASEAN and Cuba, and addressed global challenges like climate change, emphasizing their impact on small island developing states.
Minister Rodriguez and Minister Balakrishnan spoke intensively during the meeting. (Photo credit: Embassy of Cuba in Singapore)
Reflecting on the meeting, Dr Balakrishnan stated, “I welcomed my old friend, Cuba’s Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, on his first visit to Singapore in nearly 15 years. We had a wide-ranging discussion on regional and global developments and ways to strengthen bilateral ties.”
Before his departure on 18 February, Minister Rodríguez also met Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong. This meeting is expected to further solidify economic and trade relations between the two nations.
