Her parents, independence fighters during the 1960’s, understood that Africa was living through a period of anti-colonial liberation, with political ties to the national movements in the Americas and Asia, and hence readily agreed that two of their eight children be educated in revolutionary Cuba.

After completing her elementary education in her native country, Lourdes Mba Ayecaba attended Cuban secondary and pre-university boarding schools.

In October 1968, Equatorial Guinea won its independence and on December 27, 1972, Cuba established diplomatic relations with the new country, although aid from Cuba had been provided even earlier in the scientific, technical and economic fields and in the training of cadres, which consolidated the ties of friendship, solidarity and cooperation between the two nations.

Lourdes recalled that she subsequently completed her university studies in Romania, but remained close to Cuba in a number of ways over the years, until she was named ambassador in 2012.

Speaking with Granma International, she said that Cuba provides support to the African nation in the areas of health, education, construction, fishing, basic industry, radio and television, environment, energy and mines, transportation and agriculture.

"It is disinterested collaboration, nothing is requested in exchange. Working today in Equatorial Guinea are some 421 Cuban specialists, and the presence of these doctors, advisors, technicians and educators is a gesture of solidarity, friendship and sisterhood which strengthens our bilateral relations.

"Before the arrival of Cuban doctors, there was approximately one doctor for every 4,000 inhabitants and curable illnesses have now decreased in our population. The social situation is different now and we can speak of accomplishments, in which Cuban professionals have participated.

"Currently, there are approximately 110 Equatorial Guinean youth studying at different university campuses on the island, in specialties such as Computer Science, Law, Healthcare Technology, Biology, Geology and Sports. Another 100 are being trained to become doctors, by Cuban professors in Equatorial Guinea."

The ambassador continued, "We have accompanied this nation through everything, we offered support when Hurricanes Ike and Gustav hit the country in 2008. Previously in 1999, we contributed to a Latin American School of Medicine project. We are always on the side of the Cuban people in international forums. Guinea Equatorial votes with Cuba to end the genocidal U.S. blockade which strangles the economy and causes the people to suffer.

"In our country, Cuba is discussed a great deal. Cuban issues are disseminated widely in the press, on radio and television. Additionally, activities on historically important dates are promoted, such as July 26, National Rebellion Day, and January 1, to commemorate the triumph of the Revolution.

We also recognize the injustice committed in the case of the Cuban Five, anti-terrorists imprisoned in the United States.