Addis Ababa, July 30, 2026.- Historical ties and friendship were the focus of a dialogue between Ethiopian Health Minister Mekdes Daba and Fidel Antonio Castro Smirnov, a member of the Cuban Academy of Sciences, Prensa Latina learned today.
According to a statement sent to this agency by the Cuban Embassy in Addis Ababa, both parties discussed the positive state of bilateral relations, within the framework of the 51st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, commemorated on July 18.
The Cuban ambassador to Ethiopia, Meylin Suárez, also participated in the meeting.
Castro Smirnov participated in the World Public Summit on Africa, the first held on the continent, on July 29 and 30 at the headquarters of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.
The Cuban academic participated in the meeting of the Scientific and Expert Council of the World People's Assembly under the theme "Common Values for the Future of Humanity" and the "Global Initiatives of the Scientific and Expert Council of the World People's Assembly."
During the meeting held on July 29, the legacy of the historical leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro, in the Americas was analyzed and recognized, and it was emphasized that the Caribbean nation serves as an example of solidarity, cooperation, and development.
On the final day, in a plenary session, Castro Smirnov highlighted the importance of solidarity, dignity, resilience, respect, and hospitality as pillars for building a shared future.
He acknowledged the historical solidarity between Cuba and Africa, both in international forums and within the African Union, in the face of the blockade imposed by the United States.
He denounced at the forum the current energy crisis on the island that seriously affects public health, and warned about the risk that this mechanism of coercion could spread to other African countries.
(Prensa Latina)