Pretoria, 12 June 2026. — Ambassador Fakri Rodríguez Pinelo took part in the roundtable discussion “Strengthening Global South Solidarity for Justice, Peace and Self-Determination”, chaired by Deputy Minister Alvin Botes of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) which took place in Richards Bay.
In his opening address, Deputy Minister Botes reaffirmed the importance of situating the causes of the Global South within their historical context. He also called for solidarity efforts to be harnessed to promote justice, peace and development, and proposed the creation of a dedicated mechanism to coordinate and strengthen solidarity initiatives with Cuba.
In his remarks, Ambassador Rodríguez Pinelo reaffirmed the historic and deep-rooted solidarity between Cuba and South Africa, forged in the struggle against apartheid and in the defence of the dignity of peoples. He recalled with emotion the contribution of more than 10,000 Cubans who embraced the South African cause, and the memory of more than 2,000 compatriots who gave their lives for freedom.
The Ambassador welcomed Deputy Minister Alvin Botes’ call to strengthen and expand channels of bilateral engagement and to establish a dedicated mechanism to coordinate solidarity initiatives.
Cuba reaffirms its firm commitment to the principles of international solidarity, peace and the self-determination of peoples.
(Cuban Embassy in South Africa)