THE bilateral programme of cooperation was enhanced recently when President Donald Ramotar paid an official visit to Cuba. During his visit, from October 17 to 20, 2012, President Ramotar held discussions with Raul Castro, President of the Republic of Cuba, which focused on the relations between Guyana and Cuba and developments in the Latin American and Caribbean region. In referring to the trade and economic embargo imposed against Cuba by the United States of America, President Ramotar reiterated the position which Guyana has consistently adopted in calling for an end to this policy. He said that it was a product of the cold war and should go now that that period in history has passed.
The visit served to enhance the bilateral programme of cooperation with the signing of agreements on the reciprocal exemption of visa requirements for holders of diplomatic, official and service passports and cooperation in the areas of sports and health.
The agreements were signed by the Foreign Ministers of Guyana and Cuba, the President of the National Institute of Sport, Physical Education and Recreation, and the Minister of Public Health of Cuba, respectively. 
Guyana also informed Cuba of its decision to exempt Cuban nationals from visa requirements to enter and remain in Guyana for periods not exceeding 90 days for the holders of all categories of passports.
In addition to the several areas of study being undertaken by the 723 students in Cuba, that country has offered four specialist scholarships in the areas of pathology, psychiatry, gynecology and dermatology.
President Ramotar had the opportunity to interact with the Guyanese student community and visited the School of Panama, a school for children with special needs.
He also met with the relatives of the five Cubans who were held in the United States 14 years ago and were charged with spying against the United States. It was pointed out by the family that the five were not spying against the United States, but on anti-Cuban groups who were using the US territory to plan terrorist activities against Cuba. The president reiterated Guyana’s opposition to all forms of terrorism as a means of political struggle. He was of the view that the Cuban anti-terrorists should be released.
President Ramotar visited the National Civil Defence Headquarters and viewed its operations. He was high in praise for the efficient systems in place and said that Cuba was known for having one of the best civil defence systems in the world, with immense organisational capacity.
President Ramotar laid a wreath at Revolution Square in honour of Jose Marti, National Hero of the Republic of Cuba.
The Head of State’s delegation included First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Director General in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Elisabeth Harper, Ambassador of Guyana to Cuba Ms. Mitradevi Ali, First Secretary Vernon Robinson, and Aide de Camp Lt Col Ronald Hercules.