Vientiane, February 12. The Cuban Embassy in this capital learned with profound sorrow of the passing of Dr. Julio López and extends its heartfelt condolences to the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples, his family, and friends. Dr. Lopez was deeply involved in the solidarity, friendship, and close ties between the people of Cuba and Laos, where he is much loved and remembered. He is a central figure in the history of bilateral cooperation, recognized primarily for having led the first Cuban medical brigade sent to Laos in September 1973.
He served as Vice President of the Cuba-Laos Friendship Association for many years and, in this role, actively participated in various solidarity events.
In October 2024, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, a bilingual edition of his book "Memoirs of a Cuban Doctor" was presented by the Cuban Embassy in Vientiane, specifically the chapter entitled "Solidarity," which recounts his work leading the Cuban medical brigade in the liberated areas of Laos during the war, in Houaphan province.
Rest in peace, Dr. Julio.
Embassy of Cuba