On Thursday, November 28, Ambassador Ismara Vargas made an official visit to Aberystwyth, Wales. This important occasion highlighted Cuba's commitment to promoting cultural and academic cooperation with the United Kingdom. She was accompanied throughout the visit by Steve Witherden MP, co-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Cuba in the House of Commons, underscoring the strong political support for Cuban solidarity in the UK.
The day began with an important event at the Ceredigion Library, where the Ambassador donated a complete collection of the works of José Martí, Cuba's national hero and a symbol of Latin American unity and independence. This gesture reflects the profound importance of Martí's legacy in promoting education, culture and the shared values of solidarity and mutual respect between Cuba and the United Kingdom. The ceremony was attended by local officials, members of the Welsh solidarity organization Cymru Cuba, Welsh branch of the Cuba Solidarity Campaign, and representatives of Aberystwyth University.
Following the donation ceremony, the Ambassador met with representatives and friends of Cymru Cuba at the Centre for Advanced Welsh & Celtic Studies. Discussions focused on the effects of the blockade and Cuba's presence on the list of state sponsors of terrorism; as well as ongoing initiatives to strengthen solidarity between Cuba and Wales, emphasising the role of cultural exchanges in strengthening international relations.
In the afternoon, the Ambassador visited the Institute of Biological, Environmental, and Rural Sciences (IBERS) at the University of Aberystwyth, a leading institution in agricultural and environmental research. The visit provided an opportunity to explore areas of potential collaboration in sustainable agriculture and biotechnology, areas in which both Cuba and Wales have made significant progress. IBERS researchers presented their cutting-edge projects, highlighting opportunities for knowledge exchange and collaborative research.
Ambassador Vargas Walter expressed her gratitude for the warm welcome she received in Aberystwyth and reaffirmed Cuba's commitment to building bridges of cooperation in culture, science and solidarity. The visit underlines the strong and enduring ties between Cuba and the people of Wales.
This visit to Aberystwyth marks another step forward in strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation between Cuba and the United Kingdom, particularly through initiatives that celebrate shared cultural heritage and mutual academic interests.
A moment of solidarity and friendship was marked by the Cuban flag waving proudly beside Aberystwyth Castle, a symbol of the enduring ties between Cuba and Wales.