Havana

Pakistan has donated rice to hurricane-effected Cuban people.

In a handover ceremony held Friday at the port of Havana, Pakistani Ambassador Kamran Shafi and First Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade of Cuba Antonio Carricarte reaffirmed the good relations between the two countries. They were of the view that this rice donation had strengthened even more the links between both the countries, in a context in which Cuba needed foreign aid due to the effects of hurricane Matthew, said a press release.

"It is my great pleasure to present this gift of rice from our people and government. We very much hope that the quality of rice is of the highest possible standards," said Kamran Shafi.

The Deputy Minister Carricarte said: "It is a noble gesture, unselfish… This donation comes at a time when, especially in the province of Guantanamo, the effects of Hurricane Matthew are being felt and of course, it would help to support the Cuban people, from the point of view of food".

The ceremony was also attended by Alicia Corredera Morales, vice president of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the People, officers from the embassy of Pakistan, representatives of various Cuban bodies and workers of the port and authorities of the municipality of Regla.