The Hague, August 29, 2026. On Saturday afternoon, the 4th Annual Meeting of Solidarity with Cuba in the Netherlands was held, dedicated this year to commemorating the 100th anniversary of the birth of the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro Ruz, and highlighting the legacy and enduring relevance of his political thought.
The event brought together a broad representation of organizations in solidarity with the Caribbean island, including the New Communist Party of the Netherlands (NCPN), the Dutch section of the Turkish Communist Party (TKP), the HTIB (Union of Turkish Workers in the Netherlands), the Network of Intellectuals and Artists in Defense of Humanity, the Cuba Adelante Foundation, and other friends in solidarity with our country.
The keynote address was delivered by Cuban Ambassador Eva Yelina Silva Walker, who spoke about the impact of the U.S. government’s multidimensional and genocidal war against Cuba, which for more than seven months has been facing a progressive deterioration in living conditions as a result of the energy blockade decreed on January 29 by President Donald Trump and the cumulative effect of nearly seven decades of the blockade.
The Caribbean diplomat described as illegal and murderous all the measures that the current U.S. administration has gradually and progressively implemented to stifle the island’s economy and undermine its sovereignty. In that context, she recalled the Cuban people’s long history of struggle and Fidel’s leadership, and emphasized the importance of always turning to Fidel—to his example as a true and invincible revolutionary—and to his unshakable faith in victory. She also expressed gratitude for the gestures of solidarity and affection received from various corners of the world, which affirm that, at this crucial moment, Cuba is not alone, and stated that “the perseverance of the Cuban people is strengthened when we know we have sincere friends, committed organizations, and sister nations that share our aspirations for peace, social justice, and international solidarity.”
Several attendees highlighted the teachings of the architect of the Cuban Revolution, his tireless struggle for social justice, unity, and solidarity among peoples, and the continued relevance of his ideas in an international landscape marked by growing inequalities, conflicts, economic pressures, and environmental crises. During the wide-ranging debate, there was a consensus to continue strengthening the solidarity movement with the Cuban people, demonstrating through their actions that solidarity is, in essence, a form of love among peoples.
Representatives of the Network of Solidarity with Cuba in the Netherlands gave a presentation on the work carried out by the organization since its inception, including organizing activities in support of the Cuban cause and sending donations to the country’s people.
A member of the Dutch section of the Turkish Communist Party spoke on behalf of the organization and recalled with appreciation and solemnity Fidel’s ideas and his legacy in promoting solidarity among the peoples of the world, even in the most difficult times.
A representative of the NCPN discussed the organization’s successful participation in the events recently held in Havana in tribute to Fidel: the International Meeting of Communist and Workers’ Parties and the Colloquium “Fidel: Legacy and Future.”
Cuba’s solidarity with the Iranian people was also recognized, in the face of interference by the U.S. government and the massacres committed in that country during the attacks carried out this year.
The Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples addressed the participants virtually to acknowledge their valuable support for the Cuban people’s struggle, which has historically demonstrated that Cuba is not alone in its endeavor to develop without any external interference.
A portion of the event was dedicated to honoring our friend and advocate Arnold Van Wezel, president of the Cuba Vive Foundation and a longtime member of the José Martí Brigades, who, throughout his 40-year career of solidarity with our country, has helped the Cuban people in various ways. In a moving moment, the Cuban ambassador thanked Arnold for his love for Cuba. His daughters highlighted their father’s example for the generations that make up the solidarity movement with our country in the Netherlands. Arnold took the floor and acknowledged that having dedicated most of his life to supporting the Cuban cause fills him with great satisfaction and pride.
The event concluded with the signing of a Final Declaration by the solidarity movement, which emphasized the continuation of the struggle to keep Cuba’s socialist future alive and demanded the immediate and unconditional lifting of the U.S. government’s blockade and all unilateral coercive measures against our country. In addition, the declaration highlighted Fidel’s centennial and its commemoration—not merely as a remembrance of the past, but as a continuation of the struggle for the principles to which he dedicated his life: national independence, socialism, internationalism, and the right of peoples to determine their own future.
EmbaCuba Netherlands.