Addis Ababa, March 12, 2025.- In a solemn and emotional ceremony held at the Ethiopia-Cuba Friendship Park, both peoples joined forces to pay eternal tribute to the 163 Cuban combatants who fell in defense of Ethiopia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, an enduring symbol of the friendship, solidarity and internationalism that unites the two nations.
The ceremony was presided over by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cuba, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, accompanied by representatives of the Ethiopian Foreign Ministry, members of the Ethiopia-Cuba Friendship Association, Cuban residents and members of the Cuban diplomatic mission in the country.
As a central part of the event, Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla laid a wreath in front of the monument that honors the 163 fallen Cubans, paying a respectful tribute on behalf of the people and government of Cuba to those who offered their lives in defense of the territorial integrity of Ethiopia.
In his words, the Cuban Foreign Minister highlighted the greatness of the sacrifice of these combatants, stressing that "they are a symbol of the genuine solidarity and internationalism that have guided the Cuban people, inalienable principles of the foreign policy of the Cuban Revolution."
He also expressed his deep gratitude to the Ethiopian-Cuban brothers, stressing that the name with which they identify "fills us with pride, as it synthesizes the bonds of intimate brotherhood between our peoples, forged throughout a shared history of struggle and sacrifice." He also reiterated Cuba's commitment to continue defending the sovereignty of the peoples and to maintain its selfless solidarity, despite the criminal and unjust blockade facing the island.
For his part, the President of the Association of Friendship between the Peoples of Ethiopia and Cuba, comrade Abebe Ayelew, offered an emotional message of welcome and gratitude to the Cuban delegation, recalling that the park where the ceremony was held "represents the blood spilled and the common sacrifice for the sovereignty and national integrity of Ethiopia."
Abebe Ayelew explained that the Association, founded by the more than 5,000 Ethiopians who have studied in Cuba since 1978, works to keep the history of this brotherhood alive and strengthen cooperation between the two peoples. He emphasized that Cuba not only helped Ethiopia militarily and educationally, but has been at the forefront in the fight against global epidemics such as Ebola and COVID-19, sending medical brigades with experience and commitment. On behalf of the Association, he condemned the economic blockade imposed on Cuba, stating that "instead of sanctions, Cuba should be awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace and Health."
As part of the commemoration, Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, together with the Deputy Director of Europe and America of the Ethiopian Foreign Ministry, Abraham Mengistu, planted a commemorative tree in tribute to the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Cuba and Ethiopia, reaffirming the lively and growing character of this fraternal relationship.
(EmbaCuba-Etiopía)