The visit of Cuba’s Ambassador, Lianys Torres Rivera, to the state of Minnesota, carried out from April 1 to 3, provided a valuable opportunity to deepen ties with various sectors of society in the Twin Cities. During her agenda, she met with representatives from civil society, academia, the cultural and business sectors, as well as local government authorities and religious groups, adding an ethical and community dimension to the dialogue. Equally significant was the tribute paid to the Apostle José Martí at his bust, a symbolic gesture reaffirming the historical and patriotic values that inspire Cuban diplomatic work. These exchanges allowed for the discussion of topics of common interest and the exploration of new opportunities for cooperation, with an emphasis on agriculture, as well as areas such as trade, education, and culture.
A highlight of the visit was the Ambassador’s participation in the closing of the Cuban Film Festival organized by the Cuba-Minnesota Committee, an event that celebrated cultural ties and the growing interest in Cuban cinema in the region. This event reaffirmed the role of culture as a bridge of understanding between peoples and highlighted the sustained work of local organizations in promoting bilateral engagement. Overall, Ambassador Lianys Torres Rivera’s visit demonstrated the potential to continue expanding relations between Cuba and Minnesota through a diverse, inclusive agenda focused on mutual benefit.