Japan-Cuba Relations

Mrs. Abe visited "Guanabo Children's Home"in Havana's outlying town. At the Home, Mrs. Abe engaged with children by talking with Ms. Marisol Macias, director of the Home and 18 children. Mrs. Abe asked their dreams for the future, and the children asked various questions about Japan, such as the reason why Japan is called a "country of raising sun".

Mrs. Abe, being invited to his house by Mr. Fernando Funes, who runs the organic farm "Marta"in Havana, exchanged views with him about agriculture in both countries. Mr. Funes explained the history of agriculture in Cuba as well as his agricultural activities in organic farm "Marta". Mrs. Abe related her own agricultural activities in Japan, as well as her organic farming, and exchanged their views with Mr. Funes on issues related with agriculture, which are their common interests.

Mrs. Abe held a meeting with Her Excellency Mrs. Lis Cuesta Peraza de Díaz-Canel, spouse of Mr. Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, the first vicepresident of the National Council of Cuba. Mrs. Abe said that she was glad to see Mrs. Cuesta again since last June, when Mrs. Cuesta had visited to Japan accompanying his husband. Mrs. Cuesta expressed her gratitude for the hospitality extended by the Japanese side during her visit to Japan, and told that she was deeply impressed during her visit to Hiroshima. Furthermore, they exchanged their views on issues of common interests, such as measures against aging society with fewer children, as well as increased participation of women in the workplace and their life-work balance including childcare and care of elderly family members, all of which are issues of common interests for Japan and Cuba.