Zambia, August 17, 2017. An emotive political-cultural event was held in Kitwe in the Copperbelt province on August 13 to mark the 91st birthday of the Commander-in-Chief and historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro Ruz and the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Cuba and Zambia.
The occasion was also propitious to launch the new Friendship Association "Friends of Cuba in Zambia" which has its headquarters in the city of Kitwe and an important branch in Lusaka.
The activity took place at Dazi Lodge - the headquarters of the Friendship Association with Cuba- and was attended by Kitwe District Commissioner Binwell Mpundu and other representatives of the local authorities, leaders of the "Patriotic Front”, Members of the solidarity movement with Cuba in Zambia, former Zambian graduates in Cuba, Cuban citizens residing in Zambia and members of the Cuban Embassy in Lusaka, among others.
In her speech, the Cuban Ambassador, Caridad Pérez González highlighted the example of heroic resistance and the certain guide of the Commander in Chief, who led us to build a Socialist Revolution within 90 miles of the Empire and to resist and overcome all its aggressions. Therefore, he stressed, "the best tribute to our invincible Commander in Chief is to continue his historical legacy wherever we are." The Cuban diplomat highlighted the historic and excellent bilateral relations between Cuba and Zambia and the close ties of friendship between their two peoples and governments on reaching the 45 aniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between the two countries. In this regard, she pointed out that the creation of the Friendship Association "Friends of Cuba in Zambia" is a proof of this unwavering friendship.
The Ambassador thanked the friends in Zambia for their permanent solidarity with Cuba, and referred to the latest Cuban and international events, especially the bilateral relations between Cuba and the United States and the hostile speech of US President Donald Trump in order to intensify the blockade against the Greater Antilles.
The Director of Youth for the "Patriotic Front" Secretariat, John Phiri; the President a.i. of "Friends of Cuba in Zambia" association, Fundi Sinkala; and the Cuban citizen living in Zambia and main organizer of this activity, Dr. Cristina Catalá also took the floor and endorsed their commitment to strengthen ties of friendship and solidarity with the Cuban Revolution and redouble the battle for the immediate lifting of the economic, financial and commercial blockade imposed by the US government against Cuba.
During her visit to Kitwe, the Cuban Ambassador held a fruitful meeting with Kitwe District Commissioner Mr. Binwell Mpundu and with the leaders of the National Secretariat of the Patriotic Front party: Mr. John Phiri, Director of Youth and Mr. Alick Tembo, representative of the international relations desk of Patriotic Front. The Cuban Ambassador also met with Kitwe District Youth Chairman and Vice youth Secretary of Patriotic Front, Mr. Kaboba Mukuzho and Ms. Masuzyo Chilembo, respectively. She also gathered with the members of the small community of Cubans living in the Copperbelt province, to whom she updated on the latest events in Cuba.
