19 Sep 2008

Kiribati leader visits Cuba

9:23 am on 19 September 2008

Kiribati President Anote Tong has become the first regional leader to make a state visit to Cuba, where he was met by President Raul Castro.

Pacific Magazine reports that the two leaders discussed mutual friendship and cooperation, and in particular Cuban assistance to Kiribati through the provision of medical doctors.

Kiribati's Minister of Health and Medical Services also accompanied the President on the visit, providing a positive report on the work of the Cuban medical doctors working in Kiribati.

Last week, a group of 10 Cuban doctors went back home after completing two year contracts in Kiribati.

Their replacements are expected to arrive soon.

Five Cuban doctors are still working in Kiribati.