By Wilfredo Camero Hernández
Strengthening cultural ties with Cuba is a priority for Russia, stated Igor Mendnikov, cultural attaché at the Russian Embassy in Havana.
In an exclusive interview with Prensa Latina, Mendnikov expressed that it was an honor for his country to be the guest of honor at the recently concluded 34th Havana International Book Fair, dedicated to the centennial of the birth of the leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro.
In a context where the Caribbean island faces intensified economic sanctions from the United States government, the summer event featured the participation of prominent Russian writers.
“For us, it was a great honor to be invited as the guest of honor at the 34th Havana International Book Fair,” he affirmed.
“The invitation was initially extended to February, but due to the situation created by the tightening of the economic blockade, the dates were postponed until August,” he added.
The diplomat noted that cultural relations between the Eurasian nation and Cuba have always been fluid.
“We are seeing an increase in cultural exchanges today compared to previous years. After the COVID-19 pandemic, groups of musicians and artists began arriving in Cuba, as well as Cuban artists who have performed in my country,” he emphasized.
Currently, he said, despite the current situation, both nations have made preparations for a tour of the Cuban National Ballet in Russia, scheduled for September, with performances planned at the iconic Bolshoi and Mariinsky Theatres in St. Petersburg.
Mendnikov highlighted the role of the Rossotrudnichestvo Agency, through the Russian House in Havana, as the main promoter of cultural exchange between the two nations.
In this regard, he noted that the institution and its representative, Inna Chetii, carry out a range of activities that extend beyond cultural matters and also facilitate educational exchanges.
“In the cultural sphere, they organize various events for Russian compatriots living here and for Cubans who love the traditions of the Russian people.”
Regarding education, Rossotrudnichestvo is the main agency guiding and coordinating the program of 100 scholarships for Cuban students in Russia,” the diplomat reaffirmed.
He also mentioned that the school year will soon begin in Cuba, where schools in the Mariano municipality of Havana will start a program to study Russian as the first foreign language in the Caribbean country, with the participation of teachers from the Eurasian nation.
For Russia, Fidel Castro’s legacy is of great importance for strengthening relations between the two countries, the interviewee emphasized.
“Fidel is very well known in Russia, not only as the historical leader of the Cuban Revolution, but also as a man who greatly changed the world.” His legacy is considered one of the strongest in the anti-imperialist and anti-colonialist struggle,” he emphasized.
A monument dedicated to him was inaugurated in Moscow a few years ago. Fidel Castro not only lives on in the hearts of those who remember him, but in my country, they still recall the speeches he gave during his visit to the Soviet Union, he noted.
In a message to the Cuban people, the Russian diplomatic representative stated that despite the current situation on the island, he is “convinced that the strength and resilience of the Cuban people will prevail against the aggressions of their northern neighbor.”
[ SOURCE: PRENSA LATINA ]
