Havana, 6 August 2022 (TDI): Bruno Eduardo Rodríguez Parrilla, the Foreign Minister of Cuba, congratulated the People and government of Bolivia on celebrating its 197th Independence Anniversary.
Felicitamos al pueblo y al gobierno del Estado Plurinacional de #Bolivia en el 197 aniversario de su independencia.
Desde #Cuba, reafirmamos el compromiso para avanzar juntos por la unidad de #NuestraAmérica, por el bien de nuestros pueblos, con solidaridad y fraternidad. pic.twitter.com/uYSsUV0IAe
— Bruno Rodríguez P (@BrunoRguezP) August 6, 2022
The Foreign Minister affirmed Cuba’s commitment to working with the government of Bolivia for the unity of Nuestra America. He also hoped that Cuba and Bolivia would continue strengthening their ties for the good of both states.
Bolivia’s Independence Day:
On 6 August each year, Bolivia celebrates its 197th year of independence from Spain.
The Upper Peru region (now Bolivia) was under Spanish colonial rule in the 16th century.
The Bolivian War of Independence started in 1809. These efforts continued for more than 15 years. Freedom fighters like Simón Bolivar and Antonio José de Sucre fought at the frontline to free the land.
Sixteen years later, Sucre won a decisive battle in Ayacucho on December 9, 1824, and forced the Spanish to surrender the following day. On August 6, 1825, a congress was summoned to create a new constitution and sign the declaration of independence.
The country was named after its liberator Simón Bolivar, and Sucre became its first President. Bolivia became the first Spanish colony in South America to gain independence.
Bolivians celebrate Independence Day with carnivals, parades, fireworks, and other outdoor activities. Like the one flying in today’s Doodle, the red, yellow, and green flag can be found far and wide throughout the country on this national holiday.
Cuba and Bolivia Relations:
Cuba and Bolivia are both important members of the United Nations. Although both states did not enjoy friendly relations in the past, now the relations are on a growth trajectory.
The first framework of bilateral relations between the two states was laid on January 11, 1983. At that time, the two states were under Bolivian President Hernán Siles Zuazo and Cuban President Fidel Castro.
When Evo Morales’ rose to power in Bolivia in January 2006, Bolivia and Cuba became staunch allies. Bolivia joined Cuba and Venezuela-founded trade bloc ALBA. Bolivia became a long-time recipient of aid from Cuba, especially Cuban medical internationalism.
In October 2020, Luis Arce, who was Finance Minister in Morales’s government, was elected President of Bolivia. Afterward, Arce announced the restoration and strengthening of ties with Cuba.
