By the Editorial Team – Correo Canadiense
Cuban Ambassador Rodrigo Malmierca describes the relations between his country and Canada as “friendly and highly respectful.”
“We have had more than eighty years of uninterrupted diplomatic relations. Even in the 1960s, when many countries severed ties with Cuba under pressure from the United States, Canada maintained those relations. That demonstrates the level of respect and understanding that has existed between both countries,” he emphasized.
During his conversation with Correo Canadiense within the framework of the 19th National Meeting of Cubans Living in Canada, Malmierca highlighted the multifaceted nature of bilateral relations, which encompass sectors such as tourism, trade, culture, academia, and political exchange.
“There is a stable political dialogue, active parliamentary relations, and significant economic and cultural exchange. Canadian tourism continues to be Cuba’s main market, and that demonstrates the level of closeness between our two peoples,” he said.
Regarding this issue, affected by the interruption of flights to the Caribbean nation, he explained that the difficulties are a result of the tightening of the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States.
“Access to fuel has been seriously affected by new measures and sanctions. This directly impacts airline operations and the economic viability of some flights to Cuba.”
Despite this, he assured that there is interest both from Cuba and from thousands of travelers in maintaining the tourist flow to the island.
“Many Canadians continue asking how they can return to Cuba. There is a very strong emotional and human connection with the country,” he commented.
As for the role of the Cuban diaspora in Canada, he stated that holding nineteen meetings with Cubans living abroad “demonstrates the existence of an organized community committed to Cuba. Most maintain very strong family, cultural, and emotional ties with the island,” he added.
The diplomat positively assessed the support expressed by associations, especially on issues related to Cuban sovereignty and opposition to the U.S. blockade.
In economic matters, Malmierca explained that the government is currently working on making mechanisms more flexible in order to facilitate the participation of Cubans living abroad in investment and economic development projects.
“New opportunities have been opened for Cubans living outside the island to participate in small and medium-sized enterprises, agro-industrial investments, and other strategic sectors,” he noted.
Referring to his personal experience as ambassador in this North American nation, he said that the most valuable aspect has been the direct contact between both peoples and the constant expressions of solidarity received from Canadian society.
“I have seen support from parliamentarians, businesspeople, trade unions, solidarity organizations, and ordinary people who constantly ask what they can do to help Cuba. That demonstrates that there is a sincere friendship between our two peoples,” he affirmed.
The ambassador used the exchange with the press to call on the media and readers to seek objective information about the reality of his country.
“Sometimes Cuba is portrayed in a manipulated or biased way. My call is to report objectively and approach the Cuban reality through truth and not through fake news,” he concluded.
Taken from Correo Canadiense (Spanish)