[ Home ] [ Speeches & statements ]

Deputy President, Jacob Zuma today held talks with Cuban Vice-President Mr Carlos Lage Davila, in Havana, Cuba.

Mr Zuma arrived in Cuba on Monday evening and is on a working visit until Friday.

Although primarily here as ANC Deputy President, Mr Zuma has also incorporated a government programme in his activities.

Vice-President Carlos Lage Davila briefed Mr Zuma and his delegation about the Cuban economic restructuring programmes and the general state of the nation.

Earlier in the day, Mr Zuma met with representatives of the 189 South African students studying in Cuba. Mr Zuma told the students, the majority of whom are studying medicine, that they should be good ambassadors for South Africa.

Most of the students will be in Cuba for more than five years, and raised concern that they may not be able to vote during the next national general elections in 2004. The student representatives made an impassioned plea to the Deputy President to ensure that they do not lose their right to vote during their stay in Cuba. Mr Zuma undertook to look into the matter on his return to South Africa.

On Thursday, the Deputy President will meet with the Cuban Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Cuban Vice President of the Council of State. On Friday, he will hold talks with the Ministers of Economy and Planning and Foreign Investment and Economic Co-operation.

Contact: Lakela Kaunda 09537 804316 (until Friday)

Issued by: The Presidency, 25 October 2000