The ambassador detailed both the legacy of solidarity between Havana and Cairo and the new opportunities he sees for expanding collaboration.
AO: Can you provide an overview of the historical ties and bilateral relations between Egypt and Cuba?
Moraga: Cuba and Egypt have enjoyed historic relations of friendship and cooperation for more than 75 years.
Egypt was the first Arab and African country to establish diplomatic relations with Cuba, on 5 September 1949, and those ties have remained uninterrupted ever since.
Over the decades, the close friendship between Cuban leader Fidel Castro Ruz and Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser laid a strong foundation for relations between our peoples.
Both Cuba and Egypt are peace-loving nations, and we share common views on many key issues on the international agenda—particularly support for the Palestinian cause and the establishment of an independent, sovereign state living in peace.
Egypt has consistently supported the annual Cuban resolution at the UN General Assembly calling for an end to the US blockade.
I would like to express my gratitude to the Egyptian government for its solidarity with the Cuban people on this vital issue.
AO: How do you assess economic cooperation between Egypt and Cuba? Are there specific sectors where you see potential for growth?
Moraga: Unfortunately, the level of our economic and trade relations does not yet match the strength of our political and diplomatic ties.
However, there is clear political will on both sides to strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
Health and the biopharmaceutical sector are particularly promising, given Cuba’s advances in research and drug development, and Egypt’s capacity for large-scale medicine production.
This shared interest has already led to exchanges of visits between the health ministers of both countries in recent years, signalling real potential for growth.
AO: Given the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of both countries, what initiatives are being undertaken to enhance tourism and cultural exchanges between Egypt and Cuba?
Moraga: Cuba and Egypt are both countries with rich cultural traditions and world-renowned historical and natural heritage.
Tourism is a vital source of income for both of us, and there is great scope for cooperation in this area.
We also have a long history of cultural exchanges, including participation in festivals in both countries.
One of our objectives is to expand cultural cooperation and encourage greater interaction between our peoples.
AO: What role does education play in strengthening the relationship between our two countries? Are there any ongoing or planned collaborations in academic fields?
Moraga: Education has always been a priority for both Cuba and Egypt, as we seek to prepare our youth and professionals across all fields.
Historically, however, there has not been a significant exchange between our universities.
We want to change this by developing institutional ties and facilitating exchanges between professors and students.
Strengthening academic collaboration will help launch joint projects in scientific research.
AO: Could you share some of the key activities that the Cuban Embassy in Egypt has been involved in to promote bilateral relations?
Moraga: The Cuban Embassy has pursued several initiatives to deepen bilateral relations, particularly in the health and biopharmaceutical sectors.
We have held important meetings with Egyptian leaders, including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Population Dr Khaled Abdel-Ghaffar; President of the Egyptian Medicines Authority Dr Ali El-Ghamrawy; President of ACDIMA Dr Olfat Ghorab; and President of VACSERA Dr Sherif El-Feel.
We have also encouraged Egyptian participation in major events in Cuba, such as the Cuba-Health 2025 Convention, where a significant delegation represented Egypt.
AO: How do you view the current challenges in the region?
Moraga: The situation in the region is highly complex and dangerous, particularly as Israel continues to act with impunity, in violation of the United Nations (UN) Charter and international law.
Its incursions into Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Iran are evidence of this pattern.
The genocide being carried out by the Israeli government in Gaza is unprecedented and must be stopped.
I would like to highlight Egypt’s vital role in seeking a negotiated solution to Israel’s crimes in Gaza, as well as its support for hundreds of thousands of Palestinian refugees and others displaced by conflicts in Sudan, Libya, Syria, and Yemen.
The greatest challenge for the region is to halt Israel’s aggressive and expansionist policies, which threaten peace and security for all.
At the same time, the creation of a sovereign, independent Palestinian state remains essential.
Without resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, there will be no peace or stability in the Middle East.
AO: What are your aspirations for the future of Cuba–Egypt relations? Are there any specific agreements, official visits, or initiatives on the horizon?
Moraga: I dream of a strong and comprehensive relationship between our two friendly nations. Cuba and Egypt share the same principles and a deep humanist and peace-oriented vocation.
Many agreements have already been signed in areas such as health, education, culture, sports, and scientific research.
But it is not enough to sign agreements, we must work diligently to implement them and set an example of South–South cooperation.
In terms of high-level exchanges, visits between our countries have been revitalized in the past two years, and we are working to expand them further in the near future.
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