Diplomatic relations between Kiribati and Cuba developed in the 2000s (decade). Like other countries in Oceania, Kiribati is a beneficiary of Cuban medical aid; bilateral relations between Tarawa and Havana must be viewed within the scope of Cuba's regional policy in Oceania.
Cuban assistance In 2007, there were sixteen doctors providing specialised medical care in Kiribati, with sixteen more scheduled to join them."Six More Cuban Physicians To Serve In Kiribati", Pacific Magazine, October 1, 2007 Cubans have also offered training to I-Kiribati doctors (I-Kiribati are the native people of Kiribati). Cuban doctors have reportedly provided a dramatic improvement to the field of medical care in Kiribati, reducing the child mortality rate in the country by 80%.
As of September 2008, twenty I-Kiribati were studying medicine in Cuba, their expenses paid for by Cuba, with more expected to join them as Cuba increased the number of scholarships provided to Pacific Islander medical students."Small Island States and Global Challenges", Cuban News Agency, September 30, 2008 In December 2010, it was reported that thirty-three I-Kiribati had studied or were studying in Cuba, of which thirty-one were studying medicine."President of Kiribati Pays Tribute to Jose Marti", Cuban News Agency, December 13, 2010
State visits In September 2008, I-Kiribati President Anote Tong met Cuban President Raúl Castro in Havana to discuss "mutual friendship and cooperation", thus becoming the first Pacific leader to pay a state visit to Cuba."Kiribati's Tong Meets Castro, Heads To UN", Pacific Magazine, September 18, 2008 Tong was in Havana to attend a multilateral Cuba-Pacific summit, where attendees discussed "strengthening co-operation in health, sports and education", and where Cuba pledged assistance to Pacific Island countries in facing the effects of climate change."Cuban Foreign Minister Opens Cuba-Pacific Islands Meeting" , Cuban News Agency, September 16, 2008
In December 2010, President Tong carried out his second State visit to Cuba, to hold official talks with President Castro."President of Kiribati Visits Cuba", Escambray, December 11, 2010 Tong was accompanied by other members of Kiribati's government, with an aim to expand bilateral relations beyond the field of medical aid. An agreement on "sports cooperation", in particular, was prepared."Cuba, Kiribati to Foster Bilateral Cooperation", Cuban News Agency, December 14, 2010
See also Foreign relations of Cuba Foreign relations of Kiribati
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