He had held several posts including the Deputy Foreign Minister and also several ambassadorships including those to France, Algeria (two important posts for a Cuban) and now heads the mission in Qatar.
Cuba has a special medical mission here, there is a purpose built hospital in the desert serving the bedouins completely staffed by Cubans, all the personnel in the hospital whether specialist physicians or x-ray technicians all come from Cuba. It is an excellent example of what Cuba can do for regions, rich and poor, where there is a short of Health Care options.
Sr C and I had a very easy conversation, we discovered of course mutual friends, a couple of days earlier I had lunch with the Cuban Ambassador to Malaysia and also much history shared that needed discussion.
When you come next time, give me more than one day's notice, we can have a longer conversation, said the congenial ambassador.
By the way, he asked, your name is Hebrew, is that not so, putting me in a moment of confusion to deal with the official and unofficial positions of Cuba regarding Israel.
Yes, I am a Jew, and my name is Hebrew. and my mouth was aghast when the honourable ambassador from this Carribean nation spoke to me in perfect Hebrew.. I didnt want to ask him whether he had learned his Hebrew but I will leave the intrigue to our next reunion in july 2017.
A wonderful visit..
