Ottawa – At the City Hall of the Canadian capital, the Cuban flag was raised this January 28th to commemorate the 173rd anniversary of the birth of Cuba's National Hero, José Martí, and the 67th anniversary of the triumph of the Cuban Revolution.
The ceremony was presided over by Jeff Leiper, city councillor and Deputy Mayor of the City of Ottawa, alongside the Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba, Rodrigo Malmierca Díaz.
In his remarks, Leiper highlighted that “Canada and Cuba have maintained long-standing diplomatic relations based on dialogue, cooperation, and people-to-people connections.” He recognized the contribution of the Cuban community to the cultural, social, and economic life of the capital city: “Many of you help make Ottawa a more open, inclusive, and welcoming place.”
For his part, Mark Richardson, Director General for Central America and the Caribbean at Global Affairs Canada, expressed the desire to create and maintain strong ties between Canada and Cuba: “Whether through visiting each other, as hundreds of thousands of Canadians do in Cuba every year; doing business together; or helping one another in times of need, the enduring partnership between Canada and Cuba remains rooted in respect, cooperation, and a commitment to working together constructively through good times and bad.”
The closing remarks were delivered by the Cuban Ambassador, who extolled the figure of Martí and his pivotal role in the struggle for Cuban independence. He highlighted the excellent relationship with Canada for over 80 years, “based on mutual respect, friendship, and frank dialogue on all issues, even those where we differ.”
The diplomat took the opportunity to once again express the gratitude of the Cuban people for the swift emergency assistance provided by the Canadian government following the impact of Hurricane Melissa, and for its long-standing opposition to the economic blockade imposed on Cuba.
Malmierca Díaz assured that, in the face of the complex times the world is experiencing, Cuba yearns for the preservation of peace and respect for International Law: “Our people, united as Martí envisioned, will defend this goal until the end. As our flag flies today in the Canadian winter, it symbolizes our desire for a better world, one where peace prevails.”
The event was attended by Senator Judy White and Member of Parliament Gabriel Ste-Marie, co-chairs of the Canada-Cuba Parliamentary Friendship Group; members of the Diplomatic Corps and the Cuban community in Ottawa; friends of Cuba; and representatives of the staff from the Embassy of Cuba in Canada.