Ypres and Cuba strengthen historical and cultural ties.
The Cuban Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium and the European Union, Yaira Jiménez Roig, visited Ypres, a Belgian city in the West Flanders region with a high commitment to safeguarding the historical memory of the First World War events, in all its dimensions.
The delegation headed by Ambassador Jiménez Roig was received at the prestigious "In Flanders Fields Museum" by Stephen Lodewyck, director of the museum; Annick Vandenbilcke, scientific collaborator; and Filip Deheegher, responsible for Peace in the city of Ypres and secretary of the Non-Governmental Organization "Mayors for Peace".
During the meeting, the participants exchanged experiences on the history of Ypres, marked by the horrors of the First World War. They also explored the possibilities of promoting collaboration in different fields between Ypres and Cuba, especially with Havana and Santiago de Cuba, which since 1995 and 2008, respectively, have been part of the peace initiative.
In Hamilton Park, the representative of the island had the opportunity to visit the place where five cherry trees have been planted since 2011 in honor of the Five Cuban Heroes.
As part of his visit, she also participated in the "Noche Cubana" (Cuban Night), an event organized by ACV Pulso Cubano, the Workers' Party of Belgium, Cubanismo, and other organizations, with the aim of raising funds for the Cuban people.
Also present were representatives of the "Maleta Solidaria" (Solidarity Suitcase) project, coordinated by Cuban women living in Belgium.
Representatives of the "Maleta Solidaria" (Solidarity Suitcase) project, coordinated by Cuban women living in Belgium, were also present.
During the evening, testimonies about visits to Cuba were shared and the book "Tarea Vida" (Life Task), written by Julie Steendam and Isabelle Vanbrabant, was presented. The Ambassador expressed her gratitude for the expressions of solidarity with the Cuban people and highlighted the importance of this initiative to promote the culture and traditions of her country.
The visit culminated with an emotional ceremony at the "Menin Gate", where the Cuban delegation participated in the "Last Post ceremony", paying tribute to the victims and heroes who fell during the First World War. Representing the city of Ypres, there was Ives Goudeseune, a member of the Communal Council.