Havana, 26 May 2022 (TDI): The Cuban government organized an event in Havana to commemorate Africa Day on Wednesday. The Deputy Prime Minister of Cuba, Inés María Chapman Waugh, presided over the event.
Apart from the Ambassadors of the African Diplomatic Corps in Cuba, many Cuban officials participated in the event. Africa Day is celebrated to commemorate the creation of the Organization of African Unity on 25 May 1963.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla; the Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment, Rodrigo Malmierca Díaz; and the Deputy Head of the Department of International Relations of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba, Juan Carlos Marsán Aguilera took part.
Moreover, the President of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with Peoples, Fernando González Llort also participated.
Furthermore, deputy ministers and leading officials of various government agencies, international aid workers, and cultural personalities were present.
The Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Elio Rodríguez Perdomo, spoke about the historic ties between Cuba and African countries. He mentioned that these historic ties were based on brotherhood and solidarity.
In addition, he reiterated Cuba’s will to “maintain, expand, and diversify” cooperation with African nations. Meanwhile, he also expressed gratitude to the African countries for their cooperation and collaboration during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Address of Ambassador of Djibouti to Cuba
The ambassador of Djibouti to Cuba and Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps, Nasser Mohamed Ousbo, also gave a speech. Speaking on behalf of African embassies in Cuba, he thanked the Cuban government and people for their continued support for African nations.
Furthermore, he reiterated Africa’s full support to the Cuban government in its battle against the unjust United States-imposed blockade. In addition, he expressed willingness on behalf of African countries to continue expanding cooperation with Cuba in various fields.
He also emphasized that Africa recognizes the sacrifices of the Cuban people in Africa as freedom fighters, doctors, civil engineers, and aid workers.
Cuba-Africa Relations
Since the success of the Cuban revolution in 1959, Cuba has given special attention to its relations with African countries.
Cuba supported, militarily and diplomatically, the freedom movements of Africa. Its military, medical, and diplomatic aid were crucial for the freedom struggles of Algeria, Angola, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, and other African nations.
Moreover, it continues to support Africa through doctors and medical aid. Cuban medical internationalism began in 1960 by sending doctors to Algeria, an African country fighting for freedom against French colonialism.
