New York, 23 May 2017. ThePermanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations celebrated Africa Day and the fifty fourth anniversary of the constitution of the African Union, with the presence of Ambassadors and other diplomatic officials from this continent.
Permanent Representatives from Caribbean countries and theBolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America (ALBA), also participated in the reception held at the Cuban diplomatic headquarters.
As part of her welcoming address, Ambassador Anayansi Rodríguez Camejo noted the pride it represents for Cuba to share this celebration with its African brothers. As regards the meaning and presence of Africa in the Caribbean Island, she highlighted the extraordinary contribution of the African people to Cuba’s nation-building. Likewise, she recalled the foundations of Cuba’s historical solidarity with Africa, as well as the Caribbean Island’s solidary contribution to their independence struggles and development, as a way to pay off part of its historical debt to Africa.
The Cuban diplomat devoted time to underscore the fact that, for the first time in history, a son of the African continent will take office as World Health Organization Director-General, resulting from the election of the Ethiopian candidate, just some hours before, within the framework of the 70th World Health Assembly, in Geneva.
The Ambassador of Kenya, who spoke on behalf of the guests, embraced Cuba’s brotherly feelings towards Africa. “We, Africans, will never forget the Cuban blood shed in our land, for our freedom”, he emphasized.
The diplomatic activity offered a confraternity space where guests enjoyed Cuban traditional food and drinks and the performance of a Latin Jazz band conducted by the prestigious Cuban-American musician Arturo O’Farrill.
Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations