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Cuba, South Africa Sign Cooperation Accords
Cuba and South Africa on Tuesday signed cooperation agreements on culture, science and technology, sports, aviation and maritime commerce, local media reported.
Visiting South African President Thabo Mbeki and his Cuban counterpart, Fidel Castro, attended the signing ceremony.
South African Foreign Minister Nkosazana Zuma and Cuba's acting vice foreign minister Angel Dalmau signed two treaties on air services and maritime commerce.
The accord on science and technology is expected to enable the two countries to develop low-cost drugs for the treatment of HIV/AIDS, it is reported.
Under the sports accord, Cuba will help train South African athletes.
Mbeki, who arrived in Havana on Monday, is expected later Tuesday to address the University of Havana and will be decorated with the Jose Marti Order, the highest honor given to foreigners. He would travel to the west of Cuba before flying home on Thursday.
South Africa maintains close ties with the Caribbean island nation despite opposition from the West, especially the United States. Cuba offered support to the African National Congress, which Mbeki now heads, in its fight against apartheid.
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