The large-scale rehabilitation program for the victims of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster confirmed the unprecedented solidarity of Cubans toward Russians, stated Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov.
In an interview this Friday with the TASS news agency, the diplomat emphasized that “the solidarity Cuba shows toward our compatriots is unprecedented, as there is no measure that can quantify the value of those who organized and supported a large-scale rehabilitation program for the victims of the Chernobyl disaster for decades.”
All of this, despite all the difficulties Cuba suffered with the collapse of the USSR, Riabkov noted.
Specifically, the recreation and treatment program for children, which lasted more than a quarter of a century, played a fundamental role, including in the psychological health of those affected by the Chernobyl tragedy, the deputy foreign minister continued.
“The Cubans did everything possible for 25,000 children from another country, going to the utmost, often depriving themselves of necessities, to provide them with the best conditions for recreation and treatment.
They did so free of charge, without any profit, allocating subsidies from their very limited budget for these purposes,” he recalled. “We will always be extremely grateful.”
“We are grateful to Havana and the Cuban government for the attention given to this complex and comprehensive rehabilitation and medical care project for the affected children. We appreciate this and consider it a true reflection of the special nature of our relations.”
Ryabkov also recalled how the Cubans helped the Russians overcome the consequences of COVID-19. “We also know how they work in the difficult and extremely complex field of combating diabetes and its consequences. This is a broad area of collaboration for us,” he summarized.
[ SOURCE: PRENSA LATINA ]
