Nicosia, Cyprus, February 9, 2026. The Cuban ambassador to Cyprus, Rubén Pino Martínez, participated this Monday in the mass held at the Orthodox Church of the Apostle Barnabas in Strovolos, as a final tribute from family and lifelong companions of Donis Christofinis, a veteran activist of the Progressive Party of the Working People of Cyprus (AKEL) and of the Cypriot and international left.
The Cuban diplomatic representative thus paid homage to the dearly beloved comrade of Fidel Castro and Ernesto Che Guevara by placing a floral offering at his coffin as part of the funeral honors given by AKEL activists, the United Democratic Youth (EDON) of Cyprus, the World Federation of Trade Unions, the Pan-Cypriot Council for Peace, the Pan-Cypriot Workers’ Federation (PEO), the Pan-Cypriot Women’s Movement (POGO), and other representatives and figures from the left, the trade union movement, and Cypriot parliamentarians gathered there.
Also accompanied by Mr. Abdallah Attari, Ambassador of the State of Palestine in Cyprus, and part of the diplomatic staff of the Chinese Embassy in Nicosia, the tribute featured a special speech by the Secretary-General of the Progressive Party of Working People (AKEL), Stefanos Stefanou, who recalled the indelible legacy of Donis Christofinas for the new generations, a veteran activist in the struggles of communist parties, the international left, and progressive and national liberation movements around the world.
During the tribute, Donis Christofinis's "unwavering faith in Marxism-Leninism and socialism, in the values of internationalism and the defense of world peace, as well as his proven commitment to the history and achievements of the AKEL Party through his commendable modesty, profound dialectical thinking, and high level of culture" was highlighted.
In an atmosphere of sincere respect, the Cuban diplomat thanked the closest family members of Christofinis and members of AKEL for the opportunity to pay posthumous tribute to someone who was a dear friend and defender of Cuba and its socialist revolution.
Embassy of Cuba in Cyprus