Doha, November 9, 2026 – In an evening of deep bilateral significance held at the Katara Drama Theatre, the Embassy of the Republic of Cuba to the State of Qatar commemorated the centenary of the birth of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz and the 25th anniversary of his historic official visit to Doha in May 2001.
The event was attended by former Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor Al-Thani, and the Cultural Advisor to H.H. the Amir, Dr. Hasan Ali Al-Nimah, alongside senior state officials, representatives of various Qatari ministries and national institutions, members of the diplomatic corps accredited to Doha, Cuban residents, and a broad delegation from the Cuban Medical Brigade in Qatar.
The ceremony served as the centerpiece of a commemorative milestone dedicated to highlighting the legacy of the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz, and the excellent state of bilateral relations. During the event, Ambassador Nasser bin Abdulaziz Al-Nasser—former Ambassador of Qatar to Cuba and President of the Council of Presidents of the United Nations General Assembly—shared reflections from his diplomatic memoirs, underscoring Fidel Castro’s strategic vision, steadfast commitment to international solidarity, and pivotal role in forging deep relations of mutual trust between both states.
In his address, the Ambassador of Cuba to Qatar, Enrique Enríquez, highlighted the impact of the profound social transformations spearheaded by the Cuban Revolution and Fidel's unwavering stance in defense of national sovereignty and just causes, particularly his historic solidarity with the Arab and Islamic world and the Palestinian cause. Furthermore, the Cuban diplomat emphasized the close personal friendship between the Commander-in-Chief and His Highness the Father Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, which laid the foundation for a strategic partnership built on mutual respect, solidarity, and a shared vision regarding development challenges.
As part of the commemoration, a dedicated photographic exhibition displayed in the theatre foyer held a place of special prominence, recalling the profound significance of Fidel Castro's official visit to Doha in May 2001. Through images of high documentary value, the display paid tribute to that monumental event which marked a milestone in bringing both friendly peoples closer together and consolidated the foundations of fraternity between Cuba and Qatar.
The program featured historical audiovisual screenings detailing the trajectory and work of the Commander-in-Chief, as well as the moving message delivered by the Father Emir during Fidel Castro’s funeral in Havana in 2016. The evening reaffirmed both nations' commitment to further strengthening the bridges of cooperation, respect, and fraternity built by their historic leaders.
(EmbaCuba Qatar-Cubaminrex)
