HAVANA: The government of Pakistan has approved 15,000 tonnes of rice for the people of Cuba who were hit by the Hurricane Matthew recently.

A ceremony held at the Port of Havana for handing over a consignment of the donation was attended by Pakistan Ambassador Kamran Shafi and Cuba’s First Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade Antonio Carricarte, said a press release received here on Sunday.

The two officials noted the good relations between the two countries and how the donation had served to further strengthen the bilateral ties.

“It is my great pleasure to present this gift of rice from our people and government,” said Mr Shafi.

Addressing the ceremony, Mr Carricarte said: “It is a noble gesture, unselfish. This donation comes at a time when, especially in the province of Guantanamo, the effects of Hurricane Matthew are suffered and of course, it will help to support the Cuban people.”

Alicia Corredera Morales, vice president of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples, officers from the Embassy of Pakistan, representatives of various Cuban organisations and officials of the Regla municipality were also present on the occasion.

Cuba’s then president Fidel Castro had ordered a 2,500-strong Henry Reeve medical brigade for Pakistan after the country was struck by a devastating earthquake in 2005.

He also offered 1,000 medical scholarships to Pakistani students.

Published in Dawn, October 17th, 2016