Above: Kingston (CJ Photo)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Cuba is looking to deepen its trade cooperation with Jamaica, according to the country’s new Ambassador to Jamaica, Bernardo Guanche Hernandez.

Hernandez succeeds Yuri Gala Lopez, who served for Cuba in Kingston for four years.

“The bilateral relations between our two countries have reached its highest points so far and we are considering ways to improve and strengthen these relations even more,” he said. “We think that we could further this relation specifically in the field of trade.”

The new envoy, who took office last month, was speaking while part of a delegation at a Jamaican government forum.

“We have received love and respect from every Jamaican we have met either on the streets or from organizations,” he said. “Likewise, Cubans feel the same love and respect for Jamaica. When Usain Bolt wins one of his races that is also a victory for Cuba. I wish you could see the happy faces of the Cubans when Usain Bolt wins a race how they would applaud and look so happy.”

The two sides have cooperated on a number of initiatives in recent years, particularly in the health sector.