At a commemorative event held in Cuba, tribute was paid to the 50th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Angola and to half a century of uninterrupted diplomatic relations between the two countries.
President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez conveyed greetings and a warm embrace from Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, leader of the Cuban Revolution, to the participating members of the diplomatic corps. The event highlighted the pillars of this bilateral relationship: the historic ties between the Communist Party of Cuba and the MPLA, the legacy of Fidel Castro and Agostinho Neto, and the strong friendship between the two peoples.
The ceremony was attended by the Angolan Ambassador to Cuba, Carlos Cruz de Lemos Sardinha, along with members of the Political Bureau, leaders of the Party, the Government, the Union of Young Communists, mass organizations, the Association of Combatants of the Cuban Revolution, the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR), and the Ministry of the Interior (MININT).
In his remarks, the Angolan ambassador expressed his deep gratitude to Cuba, which he referred to as “the second home” for many of his compatriots who received professional training on the island. He emphasized Cuba’s exemplary solidarity with other nations and spoke of Angola’s development since its independence, underscoring that the sacrifice of the Cuban people was not in vain.
On the Cuban side, the Minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR), Army Corps General Álvaro López Miera, a hero of the internationalist struggle, delivered a speech recalling the pivotal moments of “Operation Carlota,” the Cuban military mission that supported Angola.
López Miera emphasized that the Cuban contribution not only helped repel aggressions driven by imperialism and preserve Angola’s independence, but also undermined the foundations of apartheid, contributed to Namibia’s independence, and paved the way for the emancipation of other nations in Southern Africa.
The Minister highlighted the evolution of the bilateral relationship: “Yesterday we shared the trenches. Today we strengthen our brotherhood in hospitals, where Cuban doctors deliver Angolan children, in classrooms where our teachers help shape the future of this great nation, and in the construction sector.”
He proudly emphasized that Angola is the African country where Cuba has “the most diverse and extensive collaboration,” encompassing multiple sectors.
In a message that underscores the continuity of this commitment, López Miera stated: “Operation Carlota did not end; it was transformed. The sacrifice of those who fought lives on in every cooperation project and expression of gratitude.”
The event thus reaffirmed the bonds of brotherhood and cooperation forged on the battlefield and consolidated in current development and solidarity projects between Cuba and Angola.
IMAGE CREDIT: The Angolan ambassador to Cuba, Carlos Cruz de Lemos Sardinha / Photo: PRENSA LATINA
[ SOURCE: CUBA DEBATE ]
