In the city of İzmir, specifically in the Karşıyaka district, friends of Cuba gathered this Thursday at the TKP Bahriye Üçok Semt Evi to express their rejection of the US blockade against the island and reiterate their solidarity with the Cuban people.
The meeting was attended by the Cuban consul general in Istanbul, Raúl Ernesto Madrigal Cárdenas, and Aslıhan Ilgaz, a member of the leadership of the José Martí Friendship Association.
During his speech, the Cuban diplomat stressed that the United States seeks to prevent Cuba's socialist model—which guarantees basic rights such as health and education free of charge—from becoming an alternative for other peoples. He pointed out that, for this reason, the blockade has been in place since the early years of the Revolution.
He also explained that the measures adopted during Donald Trump's administration, including the reinstatement of Cuba on the list of countries that allegedly sponsor terrorism, as well as the executive order signed on January 29 that hinders the sale of oil to the island, have directly impacted the national economy and energy supply.
Despite the pressure, Madrigal Cárdenas affirmed that the Cuban people remain united and that international solidarity continues to grow.
The event concluded with a strong message of support: Cuba is not alone. Solidarity keeps hope alive.