Speaking to Prensa Latina, the official described as fruitful the meetings held with authorities from major institutions—including the new rector of the University of Panama, Jose Emilio Moreno—as well as his visit to the City of Knowledge, where he met with its president, Jorge Arosemena.

  Baluja explained that the visit aimed to increase and diversify academic relations between higher education institutions in Cuba and Panama—ties that, he noted, span several decades and have enabled the development of exchange projects for faculty, researchers, and students.

  He specified that there are shared interests in areas such as undergraduate and postgraduate education, doctoral training, and joint participation in international cooperation projects.

  During his stay, he added, he also met with representatives from the Institute for the Training and Development of Human Resources (Ifarhu).

  They also discussed possibilities for the education and training of Panamanian professionals in Cuba, while he highlighted opportunities for Cuban institutions to expand their presence and cooperation.

  Baluja noted that the brief visit confirmed the existence of both enduring interests and others ripe for renewal, particularly regarding short- and medium-term academic and research exchanges involving professors and students.

  As part of the agreements reached, he announced a 2027 meeting of rectors from Cuban and Panamanian universities—an initiative that, in his view, will give fresh momentum to bilateral cooperation goals.

  The minister also highlighted Panama’s interest in expanding student training in Cuba, particularly in fields other than medical sciences—an area where cooperation has long been established and sustained.

jdt/mem/ga