ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Ambassador of Cuba to Pakistan Jesus Zenen Buergo Concepcion Wednesday said that his country fully supported a peaceful and prosperous Pakistan and desired a long-lasting friendship between the two countries.
Addressing a function as chief guest he recalled the services and assistance of the Cuban Government in the aftermath of October 2005, earthquake and welcoming Pakistani medical doctors who had graduated from Cuba.
The ceremony was held here at Higher Education Commission, and was attended by over 60 doctors who had completed their medical education from Cuba.
The excited graduates, who were all praise for Cuban government’s scholarships and HEC’s efficient execution of the project, chanted slogans of Viva Cuba-Viva Pakistan on the occasion.
He said Pakistan suffered a devastating earthquake in October 2005 that caused heavy losses of life and property, adding that after six days of the tragic calamity on October 14, 2008, the first group of 2,400 Cuban doctors arrived in Islamabad.
He said the Government of Cuba did not wait for any call of international help, as it was clear that Pakistan needed urgent help.
He said the humanitarian mission successfully accomplished by the medical brigade left in the hearts of its members deep memories. He said the gathering on the 10th Anniversary of the arrival of the first doctors group marks the signs of immense solidarity, brotherhood and friendship.
He maintained that as another gesture of solidarity with the people of Pakistan, Cuba granted 1000 scholarships to Pakistani students to graduate from Cuba. He expressed confidence that the Pakistani doctors who graduated from Cuba will contribute to increasing medical care to the people in the homeland.
The Ambassador said that Pakistan and Cuba will jointly celebrate the next October 28 as the 60th Anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman HEC, expressed gratitude to the people and Government of Cuba for its help and assistance at the time of need and urged the audience, especially the graduating doctors, to always remember the services of Cuba. He thanked the Cuban Ambassador for attending the event and requested him to convey the message of gratitude from Pakistan to Cuba for its generous support.
Dr. Mukhtar said that Cuba has expressed its plan to establish a sports university in Pakistan, adding that Pakistan will extend support to Cuba in agriculture sector. He said the two countries need to enhance cooperation in health, culture and other fields. The Chairman congratulated the Pakistani doctors who graduated from Cuba for their achievement and said that HEC ensures selection of students for scholarships on merit.
Dr. Farooq, Vice Chancellor, Azad Jammu and Kashmir University, also spoke on the occasion and thanked the Cuban Government and HEC for their remarkable services for the Pakistani nation.
It is worth mentioning here that after the devastating earthquake in Pakistan, the Cuban government sent the first medical brigade, comprising physicians and paramedics, to Islamabad and the same was the last group that left the country after almost seven months stay.
The Cuban doctors established 32 field hospitals and provided best medical care to the victims. They donated the fully equipped hospitals to the Government of Pakistan on their departure. This was followed by 1000 fully-funded scholarships.
APP
