When it comes to diplomatic postings, it’s difficult to imagine a more exciting and challenging experience than that awaiting our first ambassador to Cuba. The opening of a UAE embassy was foreshadowed this week when Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah visited Havana, building on ties that stretch back to 2002.
As it emerges from a long American embargo, Cuba retains an aura of romance and adventure. Historically, it has been a magnet for literary greats, including Ernest Hemingway and Graham Greene, who set his humorous novel, Our Man in Havana, there.
Unlike Greene’s hapless hero, Wormold, our men and women in Havana will be doing serious and important work strengthening economic ties between the UAE and Cuba. Proposed projects include co-funding an airport and helping build four power stations.
The synergies that can be created in Havana will, hopefully, have the whole of Latin America looking towards the Middle East.