Canberra, March 1 - The 59th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution was celebrated yesterday at the Cuban Embassy in Australia, with the attendance of the Chancellor's Protocol Director Lyndall Sachs, main political parties federal parliamentarians, representatives of the diplomatic corps, friends from solidarity groups, Cuban residents and officials of the diplomatic mission.
In his speech, the Cuban Ambassador, José Manuel Galego Montano, spoke about relevant topics on Cuba's current political, economic and social situation, highlighting the progress made by the country in reducing child mortality rates during 2017, the significant increase in tourism to 4.7 million and the modest but positive growth of the Cuban economy by 1.6%, despite the ravages caused by Hurricane Irma last September.
Besides, the Ambassador noted the progress of diplomatic relations with Australia, as evidenced by the Foreign Minister Julie Bishop visit to Cuba last June, the grow in number of delegations between the two capitals and the renewed interest of the Australian business community for the potential of investments in the island.
Likewise, Galego Montano stressed the importance of redoubling international demands for the end of the US blockade against Cuba, as well as reiterating the importance of defending the Latin America Zone of Peace proclamation, as higher threats jeopardize progressive governments in the region.
The evening concluded with a presentation of Cuban dances, starring by the Cuban dancer Erick Turro Martínez.