- Message of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the occasion of Africa Day
This year we commemorate Africa Day in Cuba under exceptional conditions due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This, however, will not prevent that such a relevant event as the foundation on May 25, 1963 of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), renamed African Union (AU) in 2002 be celebrated as we Cuban always do.
On this new celebration of Africa Day, we will renew our friendship and fraternity with that sister continent to which we are bond by blood, cultural and historical ties.
The Commander-in-Chief of the Cuban revolution Fidel Castro Ruz always stressed the “debt of gratitude” owed by Cubans to Africa for the crucial role played by the Africans and their descendants in the wars for Independence of our country and their contribution to the consolidation of our Caribbean nation.
We stood together in the fight against colonialism and Apartheid and in the development efforts. Around 6,000 Cuban collaborators in the fields of health, education, sports and agriculture are providing their services in 32 African countries. Nearly 9,000 African students are pursuing higher education in our country.
Africa is today a decisive actor in international affairs. Its 55 member States account for one third of the United Nations General Assembly and half of the membership of other global fora such as the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries and the Group of 77 and China.
Cuba appreciates the unanimous support of the African governments, leaders, organizations and peoples in the fight against the blockade, including the vote in favor of the resolution entitled: “Necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba”, adopted every year by the United Nations General Assembly, as well as the adoption for eleven years in a row of a resolution against the blockade within the African Union.
Under the complex circumstances Mankind is facing, Cuba calls on the international community to support Africa in its fight against the Covid-19 pandemic and its terrible economic, social and financial consequences. The African people, who have done so much for Mankind, deserve it.
We ratify once again that Cuba’s relations with the African governments and peoples are indestructible and that, loyal to our historic tradition and solidarity, we will continue to strengthen the ties of friendship and cooperation with that sister continent.
Long live the brotherhood between Africa and Cuba!
(CubaMINREX)