Addis Ababa, September 14, 2021. The Cuban Embassy in Ethiopia hosted the official delivery of the first part of a donation of medical supplies collected by the Solidarity Movement with Cuba in Ethiopia, to support the fight against the pandemic of COVID-19 in the Caribbean nation and counteract the effects of the intensification of the US blockade. The very emotive activity was attended by representatives of the various solidarity associations with Cuba in this country of the Horn of Africa and was chaired by Ambassador Vilma Thomas.
This first part of the donation is made up of 1, 3 and 5 ml syringes; masks of various types; disposable gloves; antibiotics in tablets and suspension, pain relievers, and other medications. In the next few days it is expected that other materials will be added to the donation to help the people of Cuba in the present circumstances.
During the delivery ceremony, Abebe Ayalew, president of the Friendship Association between the peoples of Ethiopia and Cuba and a member of the Organizing Committee of the Solidarity Movement, which was in charge of coordinating this project, emphasized that the donation was made possible by the love and eternal gratitude of the Ethiopians graduated in Cuba (Ethio-Cubans) towards the largest island in the Antilles. He stressed that this aid means that Cuba is not alone in the face of the United States' attempts to continue to intensify its criminal blockade against the Cuban people. Likewise, Abebe pointed out that, as long as an Ethio-Cuban is alive, Cuba can always count on their disinterested support, in clear reference to the eternal gratitude towards our country that received them from childhood.
For her part, Ambassador Vilma Thomas thanked Ethio-Cubans for this immense gesture of gratitude, solidarity and affection towards Cuba, at a time when the United States tries to add more pressure with its genocidal policy of blockade, taking advantage of the situation created by COVID -19. She added that beyond the content and the amount of donated materials, it is significant that it was the result of a solidarity effort coming from a country that shares what it has with ours, despite the fact that it is facing difficult circumstances. It is also moving that the initiative comes from those who came to Cuba as children and young people and never forgot the people who welcomed them as their own children. “Ethio-Cubans, as the Ethiopians who studied in Cuba recognize themselves, are part of the grateful who continue to accompany the Cuban Revolution and are recognized as part of Fidel's Legacy on the African continent”, she emphasized.
During the activity, the Embassy of Cuba gave recognition to the solidarity associations and other Ethio-Cubans who participated in the collection of this donation, for the effort made and their permanent commitment to solidarity actions with Cuba in Ethiopia.