"Kenyan authorities confirmed that both doctors, Assel Herrera and Landy Rodriguez, are doing well and that they continue efforts, as will our country, to secure their safe return to Cuba," said Inés María Chapman Waugh, a Council of Ministers vice-president, speaking with the press regarding the recently held Ninth Summit of the Association of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP), held in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya.
"Our people can rest assured that the Cuban government, like the Kenyan government, is making a tremendous effort, paying special attention to this issue. The important thing is that our doctors return safely to our country. The priority is that that they return safe and sound," she stated.
The Cuban delegation that participated in the ACP Summit held a meeting with the country’s health collaborators in this sister African nation, participating in a mission which has had “a very positive impact."
Addressing the situation of the abducted Cubans, Inés María Chapman said: "The doctors are well, they are safe. Some doctors who were working on the border have been relocated closer to the capital. They are very committed to what they are doing and are willing to continue their tasks, with a commitment to our Revolution and also to the people of Kenya.”
The 9th ACP Summit was held in Nairobi, December 9- 10. During the high-level meeting, Cuba’s representative addressed the main topics of bilateral and multilateral cooperation, including progress in implementing the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement between Cuba and the European Union, as well as prospects for cooperation between the two parties.
Chapman held a cordial meeting with the host President, His Excellency Uhuru Kenyatta, and expressed the Cuban government’s appreciation for efforts being made by that country to achieve the safe return of doctors Assel Herrera and Landy Rodríguez. Bilateral meetings were also held with 12 ACP member delegations and with the European Union’s Commissioner for International Associations.
Speaking at the meeting, Chapman expressed Cuba’s gratitude to the peoples and governments of ACP countries for their traditional position repudiating the U.S. blockade, noting that in recent months the United States government has intensified its policy of economic war against the island. In addition, she commented on the noble, human work of Cuban doctors on medical missions around the world, and denounced the slander and lies spread by the U.S. government on this subject.
“Likewise," she stated, "We are grateful for the recognition, expressed at the Ninth ACP Summit, for our country's medical collaboration policy, and reaffirm our commitment to maintain cooperation with these countries.”
Some 100 Cuban professionals are currently serving on the medical brigade providing solidarity assistance in Kenya.
