More love for Cuba marked solidarity forum in Panama

Chitré, Panama, Feb 22 (Prensa Latina) Delegates to the 25th National Meeting of Solidarity with Cuba in Panama today approved the forum’s final Declaration, a brief summary, they said, of the immense love they feel for that heroic people.

At the end of the two-day meeting in the city of Chitré, the capital of the central province of Herrera, representatives of the chapters of the various territories and regions went out to multiply the new commitments in a caravan that traveled through the main arteries of this city.

The condemnation of the blockade imposed by the United States on the island for more than six decades and the demand that Washington exclude Cuba from a spurious list of countries that supposedly sponsor terrorism became key axes of the text.

The old demand, but now with more concrete actions, that the northern country return to its true owner, the Cuban people, the illegally occupied territory in the province of Guantánamo stood out among the points of the proclamation.

They also proposed supporting the actions carried out by the Martí Association of Cuban Residents in Panama and participating in key events in the region such as the “World Marathon of Love for Cuba,” an initiative promoted by the Continental Network of Latin America and the Caribbean.

They also noted that Panama will have an active presence at the 9th Latin American and Caribbean Continental Meeting of Solidarity with Cuba, scheduled for October 9-12 in Mexico.

Another agreement referred to exposing to the Panamanian authorities the main consequences of the intensification of the blockade, the Torricelli Act, the Helms-Burton Act, which have caused considerable damage to the Cuban economy and had a significant impact on the quality of life of families.

To fine-tune each of the strategies, the delegates to the meeting at the Damasco retreat center in Chitré received a detailed presentation by the Cuban ambassador to Panama, Víctor Cairo, on the complex situation in his country, aggravated by the increasing measures of the administration of Donald Trump, in his second term.

The diplomat stressed that despite all the obstacles and challenges that lie ahead, the people and the leadership of the Revolution that triumphed in 1959 are resisting in a creative manner and to do so they have the support of fraternal groups such as that of Panama, willing to defend from new attacks a historic bilateral relationship of brotherhood and camaraderie.

During the meeting, resolutions were approved on all these issues and they also agreed to systematically measure the results until the 26th edition of these events is held in February of next year, the venue of which was the Caribbean city of Colón.

One of the main goals of this conclave, they said, will be to strengthen the structure and organization of the Coordinator, expand its membership and further involve other sectors such as Panamanians who completed studies in Cuba, unions and student associations, indigenous groups, peasants and women, among others.

The XXV Meeting was held under the motto “Dedicated with love to Cuba for its dignity and resistance,” a phrase that for many means increasing initiatives that contribute to the economic development of the largest of the Antilles and address the growing impacts on its electrical energy system, as a consequence of Washington’s hostile policy.

As part of the forum’s activities, a visit was made to the community of El Espinal, Guararé district, central province of Los Santos, where together with representative Nilka Morcillo, the delegates enjoyed a cultural activity led by students from the Gabriel Villarreal Music Academy.

In addition, a bust was inaugurated at the Regional University Center of Azuero in memory of the National Hero José Martí, the most universal of Cubans.

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Cuban Embassy in the US celebrates African American History Month

Washington, Feb 22 (Prensa Latina) As part of the celebrations for African American History Month, the Cuban embassy in the United States opened its doors to an event that showcased the cultural ties that unite both peoples today.

  • Photos: Courtesy of David Ramirez

Chargé d’Affaires Lianys Torres welcomed the Cubans “to our home, which is the home of all Cubans living in the United States and also the home of so many friends in the United States who share the love for our country, our customs and our culture,” she said.

He highlighted the possibility of presenting a wide range of cultural expressions from Cuba and the United States during the evening, and expressed his gratitude for the presence of “so many people who love our country and want a better future for our people.”

The diplomat praised the strength and resilience of the Cuban people. “We have resisted more than six decades of blockade by the United States government and have been included in a cruel list of state sponsors of terrorism,” she stressed.

The inclusion on that unilateral list “has hampered our ability to access investments, loans or even international banks,” he argued.

Although our people are suffering one of the most difficult economic times in our history, we are working very hard to overcome the blockade, the diplomat added.

“Cuba will continue to be a beacon of hope for those who believe in social justice for all, for those who believe in peace, in solidarity and in the fact that we can build a world of bridges, not walls,” he concluded.

It was a time to enjoy the sharing of the African diaspora. There was music; an exhibition of photographs selected by students from the University of Washington DC and the American University was inaugurated, reflecting through their lens the letters and prose of the talented Cuban and American writers Nancy Morejón and Alice Walker.

The photography project was developed and curated by professor and artist Iwan Bagus. The evening also featured distinguished scholar Alexandra Gelbard who spoke about her recent trip to Cuba and the Cabildo de Regla, as well as music and dance by DC artists.

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Cuba thanks China for collaboration in key economic sectors

Havana, Feb 22 (Prensa Latina) Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel today thanked China for its willingness to continue collaborating with the Caribbean nation in key sectors such as energy and food production.

In a meeting held in Havana with the Director General for Latin America and the Caribbean of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of that Asian country, Zhang Run, the Cuban head of state recognized the sensitivity and support of President Xi Jinping.

In describing this contact on his profile on social network X, Díaz-Canel reported that he conveyed to Xi the invitation to visit Cuba, which – he noted – will be an event of great significance for our people.

In the 65th year of the establishment of relations, we can say that these ties are excellent, he added in his message.

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Cuba for expanding collaboration with Laos

The two sides expressed their commitment to fostering and enhancing economic, commercial, and political ties, as well as further expanding their collaboration in areas with potential

Havana, Feb 21 (RHC) The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cuba, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, conveyed the island’s willingness to advance bilateral collaboration, at a meeting in Vientiane with the Prime Minister of Laos, Sonexay Siphandone.

At the meeting, Rodríguez discussed the potential for expanding collaboration between both countries in areas such as agriculture, biotechnology, the biopharmaceutical industry, healthcare, education, and sports.

During his second and final day of his official visit to Laos, he also met with his counterpart, Thongsavanah Phomvihane.

Both reached a consensus on the potential for advancing bilateral cooperation through mutual trust and the successful collaboration already established in various fields.

Upon his arrival in Vientiane, the Cuban Foreign Minister was greeted by President Thongloun Sisoulith, whom he reiterated the importance that Cuba attaches to strengthening relations with the South Asian nation.

In turn, President Sisoulith stated that Laos and Cuba are strategic allies and close friends, with a rich history of successful cooperation, thanks to their constant coordination, communication, and mutual assistance in regional and global affairs.

The two sides expressed their commitment to fostering and enhancing economic, commercial, and political ties, as well as further expanding their collaboration in areas with potential, including human resource development, education, sports, public health, and agriculture.

Also on Thursday, the chief of Cuban diplomacy paid a visit to the Kaysone Phomvihane Museum, which honors the founder of the Popular Revolutionary Party of Laos, and presented a floral tribute.

The official visit to Laos was part of a broader tour that included stops in Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam.

As part of this tour, the diplomat will also attend the 58th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, which will begin on February 24 in Geneva. (Source: Prensa Latina)

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Chinese exhibition in Havana celebrates 65th anniversary of relations

According to Chinese ambassador Hua Xin, the exhibition not only bring eastern elements to the Havana Biennial, but also brings new life into cultural exchanges and the strengthening of the bonds between Cuba and China

Havana, Feb 21 (RHC) The exhibition Cultural bridges: East-West dialogue has been inaugurated at the José Martí National Library of Cuba, marking the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations with China.

As part of the 15th Havana Biennial, the exhibition features 31 pieces by Chinese visual artists Ma Liang, Zhang Lanpo, Shen Zhonghai, and Guo Liweim, selected and curated by experts Miguel Sazatornil and Sun Yong Kang.

The Chinese ambassador in Havana, Hua Xin, expressed gratitude to the National Library, the National Council of Plastic Arts, and the Havana Biennial for their assistance in organizing this exhibition.

He emphasized that these works not only bring eastern elements to the Biennial, but also brings new life into cultural exchanges and the strengthening of the bonds between Cuba and China.

They also serve to showcase a portion of China’s cultural legacy, its distinctive features, and its contemporary art.

In this regard, the representative of the Shanghai Foreign Cultural Exchange Association, Zhu Liangbiao, emphasized that the works of these four Chinese artists showcase the diversity and intercultural exchange, and serve as a bridge of friendship between China and the world.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1960, these ties have been consolidated in all domains, and events such as this exhibition have provided an opportunity for both nations to admire each other’s artistic and creative abilities.  (Source: Prensa Latina)

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Venezuela stands out in book presentations in Cuba

Havana, Feb 20 (Prensa Latina) With the presentation of another book from Venezuela, the South American country stands out among many of this year’s guests at the Havana International Book Fair.

“El Libro Azul”, with a prologue by President Nicolas Maduro, is a book of mandates and prophecies, the primordial root of the Bolivarian Project that is being developed in Venezuela, according to the site La Casa del Libro.

Every Venezuelan patriot must know this book, the future project for the XXI century, Nicolás Maduro reflected in the prologue; a fundamental text to understand the Chavista movement from Chávez’ own project.

I share with you Chavez’s “El Libro Azul”, the President expressed in the prologue where he embodied the ideals of the MBR-200 with which we young people fell in love. How nice to make those dreams come true. Let us continue with perseverance, loyalty, anti-imperialist courage, without letting ourselves be blackmailed or threatened, the President commented.

As we go through the pages of “The Blue Book”, as we reread them with the attention they deserve, we immediately notice the presence of Hugo Chávez’ thought, an entirely free and committed thinker; a thinker in open war against all forms of dogmatism.

“The Blue Book” demonstrates a powerful conviction of the Comandante throughout his life: to think before acting, to generate liberating thought to illuminate the paths of fruitful praxis, the Venezuelan president wrote.

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Cuban President awards distinguished scientists

Havana, Feb 20 (Prensa Latina) Twenty-eight Cuban scientists and researchers were awarded the Carlos J. Finlay Order today in a ceremony led by President Miguel Díaz-Canel at the Palace of the Revolution.

The award winners, who are from the medical sciences, biotechnology and the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment system, also received their awards from Prime Minister Manuel Marrero and the Secretary General of the Cuban Workers’ Union, Ulises Guilarte.

On behalf of the honorees, Dr. Santiago Dueñas, a doctor in Biological Sciences, highlighted Cuba’s outstanding scientific tradition and the sector’s great contributions to the health of the people and the well-being of the nation, according to a report on national television.

“The recognition we are receiving today is the result of collective work, the dedication of researchers and professionals from different areas of knowledge, who work tirelessly and consistently with a scientific and innovative approach. Hence, it is a tribute to science and to the Cuban people as a whole,” Dueñas stressed.

The Carlos J. Finlay Order is awarded to Cuban and foreign citizens in recognition of their extraordinary merits and valuable contributions to the development of natural and social sciences.

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From New York an affirmation: Cuba is solidarity, it is love

New York, Feb 20 (Prensa Latina) Cuba is known throughout the world for its solidarity, love, and desire to collaborate, even with the people of the United States. That is why its inclusion on a list of alleged countries sponsoring terrorism is inconceivable.

That is the feeling of Claudia De la Cruz, executive director of the Interreligious Foundation for Community Organization IFCO-Pastors for Peace, when expressing in an interview with Prensa Latina her rejection of President Donald Trump’s decision to revoke measures in favor of Cuba taken days before his predecessor Joe Biden left office.

He said that “it is very important to be able to expand and strengthen the ties of solidarity with Cuba, with the American and Caribbean region, with the world, and at IFCO we understand that there is a lot of work to be done.”

But above all, “we want to maintain the legacy of the Reverend Lucius Walker, the legacy of many who joined IFCO and Pastors for Peace (…) They set the tone and the path in this fight against the blockade,” the activist stressed.

At this time, it is essential to combat the disinformation against Cuba coming from the Trump administration and conservative sectors of the Democratic Party, he said.

And to this end, it is essential to work under the new conditions of hostility towards the island on the part of the United States Government, added the former presidential candidate in 2024 for the Party for Socialism and Liberation.

For us, just as the Pastors for Peace caravans did in the 90s or early 2000s, which did a job of denouncing, confronting and demanding an end to the inhuman blockade, in the same way we have the need to continue demanding that Cuba be removed from that list, he added.

Part of the legacy of Reverend Lucius – which was continued by his daughter Gail Walker, who was executive director of IFCO – is support for Cuba and that is what we will continue to do from the United States, he said.

De la Cruz argued that, in the task of combating false narratives, we have to emphasize that Cuba has in no way been involved in terrorist actions; however, the United States has been a coordinator and promoter of terrorism against that country, a terrorism that has come from Miami many times.

Asked about the Trump administration’s ongoing deportations, IFCO’s CEO condemned the sending of undocumented migrants to the detention center located at the U.S. naval base on illegally occupied territory in Guantanamo.

“We are seeing that the conditions are being created to keep 30,000 people deported from the United States inside that naval base as if they were terrorists,” said the activist, insisting that the rights of those migrants sent there are being violated.

For us, within the project of solidarity with Cuba, it is also essential that the Guantanamo naval base be closed, that the territory that is theirs be returned to the Cuban people, and that the blockade that has been imposed against the Cuban people in an immoral manner for more than 60 years be ended.

“Cuba has promoted love, hope and has materially supported the world, so these are parts of the demands and the work that IFCO-Pastors for Peace will continue to develop from the United States,” he concluded.

In 1967, Lucius Walker founded IFCO and in 1988 conceived the Pastors for Peace project that organized humanitarian aid caravans as a way to support victims of U.S. foreign policy in the region.

Walker led 21 Friendship Caravans from 1992 until his death in September 2010, to bring humanitarian aid and medicine to Cuba in yellow school buses, without seeking permission or a license from the authorities.

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Cuban Foreign Minister reiterates high priority to ties with Laos

Vientiane, Feb 20 (Prensa Latina) Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla reiterated here today the high priority his country gives to developing ties with Laos, with which it shares historic bonds of solidarity and collaboration.

Rodríguez Parrilla spoke on the matter when he was received on a courtesy visit by the Secretary General of the Popular Revolutionary Party (PPRL) and President of Laos, Thongloun Sisoulith, whom he defined as a friend of Cuba.

During the meeting, which took place shortly after the arrival in this capital of the Cuban foreign minister and the delegation accompanying him, the Laotian president stressed that this visit has great significance, since its objective is to further strengthen and deepen the fraternal friendship and long-standing cooperation between both countries.

Laos and Cuba are strategic partners and fraternal nations with a long history of excellent collaboration. Bilateral political relations are at an excellent level and continue to strengthen, with constant coordination, communication and mutual support at the regional and international levels, Sisoulith said.

At the meeting, KPL news agency reported, both sides said they were committed to promoting and enhancing economic and trade cooperation along with their strong political ties, and continuing to expand it in potential fields such as human resource development, education, sports, public health and agriculture, among others.

Upon his arrival in the capital, the member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) and his entourage visited the Kaysone Phomvihane Museum, which honors the memory of the founder of the PPRL, and placed a floral offering there.

This tribute is a demonstration of the solidarity and historical brotherhood between the Parties, Governments and peoples of Laos and Cuba, wrote Rodríguez Parrilla on his account on the social network X.

Following his visit here, the Cuban Foreign Minister will meet this Friday with the Laotian Prime Minister, Sonexay Siphandone, and will hold official talks with the new Foreign Minister, Thongsavanah Phomvihane.

Rodríguez Parrilla arrived in Vientiane from Vietnam, where he also made an official visit, with the results of which he expressed his satisfaction and where “the warm hospitality and the unwavering commitment to support Cuba exceeded all expectations.”

The official visit to Laos by the Cuban foreign minister is part of a tour that previously took him to Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam, and at the end of which he will attend the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council, which will begin on February 24 in Geneva.

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Cuban Ambassador receives Azerbaijani delegation to Habano Festival

Baku, Feb 18 (Prensa Latina) Cuban Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Carlos Valdes, on Tuesday received this country’s delegation that will participate in the 25th Habano Festival in Cuba, Prensa Latina news agency informed.

The diplomat stressed that the visitors agreed, in a pleasant dialogue, that this is the most awaited event every year by lovers of Premium cigars globally, which will have a wide program of activities around the knowledge of the best tobacco in the world and its exciting culture.

Valdes told the guests that those who attend the 25th Habano Festival will enjoy, in an international and exclusive environment, a program of activities to learn about this product.

The five-day festival will offer visits to renowned Habanos factories and plantations, exclusive pairings, and three particular evenings to get a sneak preview of the latest Habanos SA features.

The Habanos World Challenge Contest, the Trade Fair, and the International Seminar with attractive conferences will also be held during the festival.

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