A solidarity aid shipment of 425 tons of rice donated by Japan, destined for consumption by the population of eastern Cuba, was delivered today in this capital in the context of World Food Day.

The shipment is part of the one-million-U.S.-dollar contribution provided by the Asian nation's government through the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to support the humanitarian response after Hurricane Melissa passed through eastern Cuba in October 2025.

The reception ceremony was presided over by Japan's ambassador in Havana, Nakamura Kazuhito, and the WFP representative in Cuba, Etienne Labande. On the Cuban side, Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Trade Oscar Pérez-Oliva and Minister of Domestic Trade Betsy Díaz attended.

In statements to Prensa Latina, Kazuhito highlighted Tokyo's current policy toward Havana in developing the food security program in the island nation.

"My country's position currently consists of supporting the Cuban people through the different programs of the United Nations Organization," he stated.

Japanese cooperation with Cuba began in 1961 and has focused on sectors such as agriculture, health, and the environment.

After the passage of hurricanes such as Matthew, Irma, or Ian, the Japanese nation has delivered emergency aid through the WFP, including one million dollars after Hurricane Melissa in 2025.

In response to that last natural phenomenon, the WFP was the central executor and coordinator of humanitarian aid in Cuba, converting donor funds into emergency rations for some 190,000 people, and assuming logistics and supply amid fuel shortages.