Suriname. January 13, 2010. “The relation between Suriname and Cuba is excellent”, says Minister Lygia Kraag-Keteldijk of Foreign Affairs who is in Cuba for the official opening of the Surinamese Embassy in the capital Havana. In Cuba, Kraag-Keteldijk has expressed her gratefulness for the contribution that the country has made to the development of Suriname. The Minister will have official talks with her Cuban colleague, Bruno Rodríguez, on issues of cooperation and mutual interests. They will also explore other forms of partnership. During her working visit to Cuba, Kraag-Keteldijk will also visit the Latin American School of Medicines. A number of Surinamese are studying at that faculty under the framework of the cooperation with Cuba. They are specializing in various areas in the field of medicine. Visits to other education institutes and historic places are also programmed. Suriname and Cuba maintain an exchange, especially in the field of medicines. A Cuban Medical brigade offers cooperation to Suriname. Some doctors are working in the interior and cover the need for health care in those areas. The Milagro Project team also covers Suriname helping patients to recover their vision. For the school year 2009 -2010 Cuba has granted 11 scholarships primarily for youngsters from low - income families. Cuba has also an embassy in Suriname since April 2006. With the opening of an Embassy in Havana, Suriname will increase its bilateral relations with the Caribbean island. |