Cuban Ambassador Meets Megawati to Discuss Health Cooperation with BRIN
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The 5th President of the Republic of Indonesia and Chairperson of the Supervisory Board of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Megawati Soekarnoputri, received a visit from the Cuban Ambassador to Indonesia, Dagmar Gonzalez Grau, at her residence in Menteng, Central Jakarta, on Monday.
Megawati was accompanied by the Secretary General of the PDIP Central Executive Board, Hasto Kristiyanto, the Chairman of the PDIP Central Executive Board, Ahmad Basarah, and the Director of Foreign Relations for PDIP, Hanjaya Setiawan.
In a written statement in Jakarta on Monday, Hasto revealed that during the meeting, Megawati and Ambassador Grau discussed the importance of cooperation between the Cuban Government and Indonesia’s Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, and the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIMS).
Furthermore, the two parties discussed the development of cancer drugs, halal vaccines, and various medicines. In addition to encouraging cooperation with the Ministry of Health, they expressed hope for partnerships with several hospitals, such as RS Harapan Kita and the National Brain Centre Hospital (RS PON).
“To the Cuban Ambassador, Mrs Megawati stated that health is extremely important for the people, which is why, during her presidency, she took the initiative to build RS PON,” said Hasto.
“Mrs Megawati reminisced about her visit to Cuba, where she saw a cigar factory firsthand. She noted the incentives provided to workers who meet targets, and how any production exceeding the target becomes the right of the workers,” Hasto added.
Ambassador Grau also explained that Cuba possesses specialised programmes for literacy eradication, applied technology, and specialist training. The literacy eradication programme has proven highly effective and has been implemented in 30 countries, reaching 10 million people.
Additionally, during the meeting, the Cuban Ambassador outlined the economic difficulties faced by the nation due to pressures from the United States. Many analysts describe this as the worst economic crisis in the country since the ‘Special Period’ in the 1990s following the collapse of the Soviet Union. Additional US measures restricting fuel shipments and shipping routes have increased the pressure on the Cuban economy.
In response to these issues, Megawati emphasised the importance of solidarity among independent and sovereign nations, including struggling through the United Nations (UN).
During the meeting, the Cuban Ambassador presented a bouquet of roses, a topical perfume made from the White Mariposa flower (Cuba’s national flower), and Cuban cigars.
“Upon receiving the perfume, Mrs Megawati spontaneously explained that she also has White Mariposa flowers planted in her garden in Bali,” said Ahmad Basarah.
Ambassador Grau also expressed interest in a painting of a young Megawati being held by her father, Soekarno, which Megawati subsequently explained.