Cuba is RMI’s new friend

Cuban President Raul Castro and RMI President Chris Loeak shake following the signing of diplomatic relations in New York City. Photo: Chris deBrum.
Cuban President Raul Castro and RMI President Chris Loeak shake following the signing of diplomatic relations in New York City. Photo: Chris deBrum.

Cuba is the newest diplomatic partner of the Marshall Islands, following the signing of an agreement establishing ties earlier this week in New York.
President Chris Loeak and Cuban President Raul Castro shook hands after the historic development that took place at the margins of the 70th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The RMI-Cuba diplomatic relations pact followed Palau and Cuba formalizing ties in New York, and both follow on the heels of the US government ending its embargo against Cuba and moving to normalize relations with the Caribbean nation.
Foreign Minister Tony deBrum signed the Joint Communique on behalf of the Marshall Islands Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla signed on behalf of Cuba. Cuba is a Post-Forum Dialogue Partner of the Pacific Islands Forum, and engages with Pacific island countries, including the RMI, on climate change, disarmament, and sustainable development.
President Loeak was scheduled to deliver his statement at the General Assembly on Wednesday, September 30 (New York date and time), around 6pm east coast time.