Cuban Ambassador to Pakistan Jesus Zenen Buergo Concepcion on Thursday said his country was deeply interested in promoting ties with Pakistan in various fields. He was speaking during his visit to Radio Pakistan headquarters in Islamabad. He was briefed on the working and achievements of Radio Pakistan by Director General Murtaza Solangi.
The Cuban ambassador said Cuba had awarded scholarships to Pakistani students and 300 doctors would graduate next year. He added Cuba intended to increase scholarships for Pakistani students in various disciplines. “At present, 900 Pakistani students are studying in Cuba, and on their return, they will serve as ambassadors of Cuba in Pakistan,” he remarked.
Concepcion congratulated Pakistanis on Pakistan Day and thanked Islamabad for supporting a resolution at the United Nations, asking for lifting of US embargoes on Cuba. He said Pope was visiting his country from March 26to March 28, which the Cubans were viewing as a great diplomatic victory. He said both Cuba and Pakistan were victims of disinformation and negative impression spread by foreign media, which had absolutely no connection with ground realties.
He expressed willingness to enhance cooperation between the two countries in cultural field as well. He said a Cuban troupe would visit Radio Pakistan during its tour to Pakistan soon.
The ambassador recalled the Cuban help for the victims of the 2005 earthquake in Pakistan. “Cubans were the first to reach and last to leave Pakistan during that tragedy,” he remarked. He said the Cubans had arrived along with 32 hospitals and over 600 medicos. He said all the hospitals and equipment were gifted to Pakistan while leaving the country.
While giving briefing to the visiting dignitary, PBC DG Murtaza Solangi said Radio Pakistan was the biggest electronic media organisation in the country, having the unique honour of pronouncing the creation of Pakistan. He said Radio Pakistan aired news and programmes in 23 Pakistani and 11 foreign languages.
Later, the ambassador was taken to various sections of the broadcasting house, including News Channel, Current Affairs Channel, National Broadcasting Service, Community Channel FM-93, FM-101 and English Channel FM-94. He also recorded an interview during the visit.