Acting Governor General, Hon. Patterson J. Oti with the Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to Solomon Islands, His Excellency José Manuel Galego Montano.
Cuban Ambassador Presents Credentials to Acting Governor General
The Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to Solomon Islands, His Excellency José Manuel Galego Montano, presented his letter of credentials to the Acting Governor General, Hon. Patterson J. Oti, today at Government House.
Ambassador Montano, a seasoned diplomat, currently serves as Cuba’s Ambassador to Fiji, with concurrent accreditation to Nauru, Kiribati, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Palau, Solomon Islands, Marshall Islands, Samoa, Micronesia, Papua New Guinea, and Tonga. He has been based in Suva, Fiji since January 2021.
Welcoming Ambassador Montano, Hon. Oti highlighted that this year marks 23 years of diplomatic relations between Solomon Islands and Cuba—an enduring partnership built on mutual respect and friendship. He expressed confidence that, with his extensive diplomatic experience, Ambassador Montano would further strengthen bilateral ties and explore new opportunities for development and economic cooperation.
Hon. Oti also conveyed Solomon Islands’ deep appreciation to Cuba for its contribution to the country’s healthcare sector, particularly in training over a hundred medical doctors and specialized health workers, many of whom are now serving across the nation.
“I am delighted by Cuba’s continued commitment to enhancing our cooperation, especially in the health sector,” he said. “Solomon Islands is open and eager to explore further areas of mutual collaboration and engagement.”
In his address, Ambassador Montano expressed gratitude for Solomon Islands’ unwavering support for the United Nations resolution calling for an end to the six-decade-long blockade against Cuba.
“Solomon Islands’ support is a message of solidarity in a complex world, offering hope to many,” he stated.
He reaffirmed Cuba’s commitment to peace, diplomatic conflict resolution, and respect for international law under the principles of the UN Charter.
In response, Hon. Oti reiterated Solomon Islands’ firm stance to end the long-standing economic, commercial, and financial embargo on Cuba.
“As a member of the United Nations, Solomon Islands remains committed to global peace,” he said. “We are guided by the UN Charter and will continue to uphold universal principles of peace, coexistence, and respect.
“In that spirit, we do not support any unilateral actions or measures that negatively impact the well-being of any nation’s people, including Cuba,” he added.
—MFAET PRESS RELEASE
Acting Governor General, Hon. Patterson J. Oti, Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to Solomon Islands, His Excellency José Manuel Galego Montano and Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon. Peter Shanel Agovaka.
Acting Governor General, Hon. Patterson J. Oti, Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to Solomon Islands, His Excellency José Manuel Galego Montano (2nd Left) Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon. Peter Shanel Agovaka (far right) and the Supervising Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hickson George.
Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to Solomon Islands, His Excellency José Manuel Galego Montano delivering his remarks.
Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to Solomon Islands, His Excellency José Manuel Galego Montano presenting his letter of credence to the Acting Governor General, Hon. Patterson J. Oti.