Cuban Revolution’s anniversary marked

The Cuban Revolution succeeded in ousting the Batista Regime, which had oppressed the people off the country, on Dec 31, 1958. The 60th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution was marked at an event in Islamabad organized by the Cuban Embassy and several solidarity groups, including Pakistan-Cuba Social Forum, Pakistani-Cuban Doctors Association and Pakistan-Cuba Friendship Association.

“Pakistan has keen interest in boosting further the bilateral relations with Cuba”, said the chief guest in the occasion, Kanwal Shauzab, Parliamentary Secretary for planning, development and reform, and chairwoman of the PTI Women Wing for Punjab North. She expressed gratitude to the government of Cuba for its generous assistance after the 2005 earthquake in Pakistan, and further training in Cuba of close to 1,000 Pakistanis. She also drew attention to the help against the dengue disease and other development assistance.

Ambassador Gabriel Tiel Capote thanked Kanwal Shauzab for attending the event with Bilal Hayee, the director general for the Americas of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She also thanked Ramzan Mughal, chairman of the Pakistan-Cuba Social Forum, Dr. Jamal Nasir and retired Brig Azam Afandi and other solidarity groups, for their important work.

Mr Capote drew attention to the excellent relations between Cuba and Pakistan, with further potential in health, tourism and other fields.

The ambassador and chief guest called for lifting of the economic blockade of Cuba imposed by USA. Several speakers highlighted the contribution to humanity of the Cuban revolution and development path.

Romanian envoy attends snooker championship

Nicolae Goia, ambassador of Romania, was the chief guest at the prize distribution of the 8th Islamabad Cup of the Snooker Championship 2018-19. Senator Dr. Shehzad Waseem, chairman of the Pakistan Billiard and Snooker Association, Islamabad Chapter, was the host of the event.

“I was impressed by the enthusiasm of the players, their great talent and ability to play this sport of mind, coordination and concentration”, said Ambassador Goia.

“Despite lack of resources and a limited budget, some of the players have managed to become high class in snooker and billiard. They have won important titles in the Asian Championship”, he said, adding that he thought they seem to be inspired by the sports genius of Prime Minister Imran Khan, “who managed to push the limits beyond everyone’s expectations”.

“The event gave me a reason to believe that Pakistan can rise up, among other things, through sports, and not only cricket, but also other fields”, said ambassador Goia.

Published in Dawn, January 7th, 2019