Australia and Cuba are looking at working together to provide medical aid to Pacific Island and Caribbean nations, Foreign Minister Stephen Smith says.

Hosting Cuba's Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez in Perth on Tuesday, Mr Smith said Cuba was internationally renowned for the medical assistance it provided to needy nations.

Mr Rodriguez is on a two-day trip to Australia after visiting East Timor where Cubans have been training hundreds of doctors for the tiny nation.

Mr Smith said there was great potential for Australia and Cuba to join forces and help small island states in the Pacific and the Caribbean to boost their medical services.

"Given Cuba's world class credentials in the medical training area, given our world class expertise in child and maternal health care, we believe there is potential for us to work together."

Australia was looking at assisting Cuba build a medical facility in quake-hit Haiti, Mr Smith said.

Mr Rodriguez told reporters at a joint press conference with Mr Smith that Cuba was very pleased to advance bilateral relations.

"We could have an excellent exchange on our programs of international medical co-operation," he said.

Mr Rodriguez thanked the Australian government for its continued support for a United Nations resolution passed every year calling for the cessation of the United States economic blockade of Cuba.

Mr Smith said Australia's position had been longstanding in support of the UN resolution.

"It continues to be our view that the blockade should be lifted, that's been Australia's position for a long period of time."

Mr Smith said Australia and Cuba were also looking at enhancing sporting and cultural contacts.