Department of Defence
South Africa has signed an agreement on defence cooperation with Cuba at a ceremony in Pretoria.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the defence and military veterans minister, Lindiwe Sisulu, indicated that the agreement sought to foster cooperation between the two countries in a number of areas including military veterans, defence industries, military health and training and exchange programmes.
The minister also drew attention to Cuba’s citizen force.
The plan is for South Africa to learn from Cuba on how to set up an effective force capable of assisting in times of natural and man-made disaster.
Government also wanted to instil the “Cuban value system” into the youth of South Africa thereby promoting a strong sense of patriotism and a sound work ethic.
The agreement will result in heightened exchanges between the two countries.
The minister pointed out that lessons learnt from the armed forces of Cuba would help to improve the South African National Defence Force.
“These lessons from the armed forces will enhance our endeavour to build a strong and a caring defence force in line with its mandate of defending the territorial integrity of the republic and securing itself”.
The agreement flows from recent discussions between Sisulu and her Cuban counterparts.
Over the years, since 1994, diplomatic relations between the two countries have been punctuated by numerous exchanges, visits and training programmes.
A joint bilateral commission was set up in 2001.
Many Cuban doctors and medical personnel came to South Africa to work while a number of South African students have gone to Cuba to study medicine.
A clause in the agreement allows for any amendments should the need arise.
Sabinet Cape Town Office
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