Cyprus and Cuba's Paralympic Committees have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for sports cooperation, creating an important milestone in bilateral Paralympic relations and international sports diplomacy, according to the Cuban Embassy in Nicosia.
The MoU is for a five-year cooperation which sets up a structured framework for bilateral cooperation aimed at strengthening and developing the Paralympic programs in the two countries.
The signing ceremony was attended by the President of the Cyprus Paralympic Committee Andreas Roumpas, Secretary General Marianna Hadjiandoniou and committee member Kalli Hadjiosif and Ambassador of Cuba Ángel Gustavo Suárez Cordero and Secretary General of the Cuban Paralympic Committee Jorge Palma Montalvo.
An 18 September statement by the Embassy noted, "The Embassy of the Republic of Cuba in Cyprus today hosted the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding for Sports Cooperation between the Paralympic Committees of Cuba and Cyprus, strengthening bilateral sporting relations between both nations."
"The ceremony brought together distinguished representatives from both countries, including His Excellency Angel Gustavo Suarez Cordero, Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to Cyprus, and Mr. Jorge Palma Montalvo, General Secretary of the Paralympic Committee of the Republic of Cuba, representing the Cuban delegation. The Cypriot delegation was comprised of Mr. Andreas Roumbas, President of the Paralympic Committee of the Republic of Cyprus, Mrs. Marianna Hadjiandoniou, General Secretary of the Cyprus Paralympic Committee; and Mrs. Kalli Hadjiosif, Vice President of the Cyprus Sports Organisation," it continued.
As the Embassy noted, "This comprehensive five-year agreement establishes a robust framework for Paralympic sport cooperation that encompasses multiple areas of collaboration. The memorandum facilitates the exchange of delegations, coaches, and specialists between both nations, while promoting joint training programs specifically designed for para-athletes. Additionally, the agreement enables technical expertise sharing in crucial areas such as Paralympic medicine and sports science, alongside collaborative athlete classification and coaching development programs."
"The significance of this partnership extends beyond mere bilateral cooperation, as it strategically combines Cuba's internationally renowned sports development expertise with Cyprus's advantageous position within international Paralympic networks. This synergistic relationship is expected to substantially enhance training opportunities and competitive experiences for para-athletes from both countries, creating a foundation for improved performance on the international Paralympic stage," it continued.
The statement concluded, "The agreement, which is renewable for successive five-year periods, demonstrates both nations' unwavering commitment to advancing Paralympic sport development while simultaneously fostering international friendship and understanding through the universal language of sport. This landmark cooperation represents a significant step forward in bilateral relations and underscores the power of athletic collaboration to build bridges between nations."
