The Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of the Cuban Embassy in India, Abel Aballe Despaigne, participated in a panel on Art and Diplomacy, held within the framework of the Annual Conference of the youth organization Global Youth India. The event was attended by representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Delhi, representatives of Indian culture, young people and students.
The Cuban diplomat, in his speech, referred to the importance of culture in diplomatic training, as a tool for a better understanding of the country he represents; a better preparation for their interaction in different environments and societies; and an effective exercise of cultural diplomacy. He emphasized that culture, as an inseparable part of diplomatic work, allows for the development of greater understanding between peoples and governments, with a multiplying effect on politics and economic relations between different countries. He also added that culture and its exponents can be used to reach audiences and interlocutors that are sometimes inaccessible through official or traditional channels. He also commented on the presence of culture in Cuba's foreign policy and its revolutionary diplomacy, as well as on the role played by Cuban artists and intellectuals in Cuban diplomacy.
