The Embassy of Cuba in India celebrated the 65th anniversary of the triumph of the Cuban Revolution and the 64th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations between Cuba and India with a reception attended by some 150 people, including Indian government officials, members of the diplomatic corps accredited in Delhi, deputies, businessmen and friends.
The evening was presided by the Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture, Meenakshi Lekhi; the First Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Communications of Cuba, Wilfredo González Vidal; and the Cuban Ambassador Alejandro Simancas Marín.
In his remarks, the Cuban Ambassador highlighted the historic ties between Cuba and India for more than 60 years, which have been characterized by friendship, cooperation, solidarity, respect and dialogue. He also emphasized the exchanges of high-level visits between the two countries during 2023, as well as the progress in the development of bilateral relations in different sectors. In this regard, he underlined the recent decision of the Cuban government to join the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), an Indian initiative that brings together more than 30 nations.
The Cuban diplomat, who will recently conclude his assignment as Ambassador to India and concurrent in Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal, also made use of the occasion to thank all friends in general for their support in strengthening relations between the two countries, as well as the expressions of friendship and solidarity in support of our just demand for the lifting of the criminal blockade against the Cuban people; and the withdrawal of Cuba from the spurious list of countries sponsoring terrorism.
The Indian Minister of State, on her part, extended congratulations to the Cuban people on the anniversary of the Cuban Revolution and reaffirmed the will to continue developing bilateral ties. She pointed out the common values shared by both nations and defended at the international level. He also highlighted the spirit of resistance, in different ways, of the Cuban people, which is an example for the world. 
Finally, he thanked the Cuban Ambassador for his hard work and contribution to the strengthening of relations between Cuba and India, and wished him success in his new duties.
As part of the celebration, the guests enjoyed Cuban music with the presentation of the Latin band "Abakorao", which together with our Habanos and mojitos created a Creole atmosphere of pride and celebration.
