Cuban ambassador participates in a ceremony for Japan's National Day in Cyprus.
Nicosia, Cyprus, February 26, 2026.—Invited by His Excellency, the Ambassador of Japan to Cyprus, Mr. Satoshi Iwasaki, his Cuban counterpart, Rubén Pino Martínez, attended on Thursday the reception for Japan's National Day, a ceremony held to mark the birthday of H.M., the Emperor of the Asian nation.
During the commemoration, the two diplomats had a brief and cordial exchange regarding the new anniversary and the national holiday, during which Pino Martínez congratulated his counterpart and wished success, health, and well-being to his diplomatic representatives, to H.M., and to his entire nation.
This evening, celebrating Japan's National Day in Cyprus brought together in Nicosia a large representation of diplomatic missions accredited across the Eastern Mediterranean island, Japanese entities and commercial firms with a strong presence in various sectors of the island territory, and numerous Cypriot government officials, this time officially represented by their minister of transport, communications, and labor, Mr. Alexis Vafeades.
Statement by the Deputy Foreign Minister of the Republic of Cuba, Carlos Fernández de Cossío
Yesterday, our authorities reported an attempted infiltration for terrorist purposes involving 10 individuals aboard a vessel registered in the State of Florida, United States.
From the very outset, upon determining that the vessel had departed from United States territory, Cuban authorities have maintained communication with their U.S. counterparts—including the Department of State and the Coast Guard—regarding this terrorist attempt. An investigation is currently underway to fully clarify the facts with the utmost rigor. The Cuban government is willing to exchange information with the United States government concerning this incident.
Among other requests, we will ask the U.S. authorities—through the existing mechanisms between the two countries—for information about the individuals involved, the vessel used, among other details.
U.S. government authorities have expressed their willingness to cooperate in clarifying these regrettable events.
Almyra Publishing House and the Cyprus-Cuba Friendship Association launch a support and humanitarian aid campaign in response to the intensification of the blockade imposed against the island
A solidarity initiative with the people of Cuba!
Almyra Editions, recognizing the extremely difficult conditions faced by the Cuban people due to the ongoing embargo, joins forces with the Cyprus-Cuba Friendship Association.
We actively support sending humanitarian aid to Cuba, allocating part of the income from the sale of our books.
Reply by the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Νikos Christodoulides, on the occasion of the presentation of credentials by the new Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Rubén Pino Martínez
From: Presidency of the Republic
20/02/26 14:48 | Speech / Address | President of the Republic / Presidency, Foreign Policy
Your Excellency,
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to Lefkosia and to extend my congratulations on your appointment as Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to the Republic of Cyprus. I wish you every success in the performance of your duties and assure you that my government stands ready to assist you in your mandate.
Cyprus and Cuba have maintained diplomatic relations for sixty-five years. Cuba was among the very first countries to recognize the Republic of Cyprus upon its independence, on 22 November 1960, thereby laying the foundations of a relationship firmly anchored in the core principles of the United Nations Charter, including sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence.
Cuban ambassador held a fruitful meeting with Cypriot friends and fellow nationals residing in Nicosia after presenting his credentials to the local government.
Nicosia, Cyprus, February 21. - Cypriot friends and Cubans residing on this Eastern Mediterranean island shared a unique and patriotic day at the Embassy of the Republic of Cuba in the capital this Saturday, following the diplomat's presentation of his Letters of Credentials accrediting him as extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassador to the Cypriot government.
What constituted a moment of shared joy –according to Ambassador Rubén Pino Martínez– turned into a day of unity and solidarity with Cuba among the attendees, reaffirming the diplomatic mission’s commitment to strengthen its ties and common work with the local Cuban community.
Regarding the meeting, the Cuban ambassador shared with the attendees a message sent from the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which had previously been conveyed by the Director General of the Directorate of Consular Affairs and Cubans Resident Abroad, Ana Teresita González Fraga, in connection with the idea of holding a videoconference with Cubans living abroad last Monday, February 9.