CUBAN PRESIDENT AGREED TO PROVIDE CRITICAL HEALTHCARE

Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo has held a historic meeting with the President of Cuba, Raúl Castro.

A press statement from the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet said, this is a first encounter between any Solomon Islands Prime Minister and a Cuban President.

They met at the Presidential Palace in Havana.

The leaders discussed issues of mutual interest, and also agreed to explore bilateral cooperation in disaster risk reduction.

Prime Minister Lilo also visited Cuba’s National Civil Defence Centre, currently ranked as one of the best in the world.

The centre helps Cuba to reduce disaster risks and manage natural catastrophes.

Prior to his meeting with President Castro, Prime Minister honored Cuba’s national hero, Jose Marti, by laying a wreath.

Mr. Lilo leaves Cuba on Sunday for the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Palau.

Meanwhile, the President of Cuba has agreed to provide some critical health assistance to Solomon Islands.

A press statement from the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet says, President Raul Castro has agreed to send specialist doctors to serve in hospitals in Solomon Islands.

President Castro has also agreed to provide drugs to cater for stage three and four diabetic patients in Solomon Islands.

The drug will help patients with stage three or stage four diabetes from having their leg or foot amputated, as is the current case.

The Solomon Islands Ambassador to Cuba, Simeon Bouro says the agreement with Cuba is a major breakthrough for Solomon Islands.

Ambassador Bauro also said the introduction of the drug will save many people suffering from the last stages of diabetes.