Cuba salutes the peoples of Africa
Esteban Lazo Hernández, President of Cuba’s National Assembly of People’s Power sends message of congratulations to African peoples, on the occasion of Africa Day, May 25

Enrique Moreno Gimeranezmay 25, 2020 09:05:59

The legendary athlete Ana Fidelia Quirot joined Cubans across the country saluting Africa on May 25. Photo: Cubadebate
The President of the National Assembly of People’s Power, Esteban Lazo Hernández, sent a message of congratulations to African peoples, on behalf of all Cuban legislators, on the occasion of Africa Day, May 25.

The message emphasized that the date is “as significant for that continent as it is for Cuba, because of the deep ties that unite us” and reaffirms that “African heritage is a fundamental part of our culture, our beliefs and our customs.”

Esteban Lazo highlighted the historical events that have cemented the friendship Cuba shares with Africa, noting that we are “proud and at the same time honored to have had the opportunity to contribute to struggles against colonialism and racism in Africa. More than 300,000 Cuban internationalist fighters fought injustice and domination on the continent, and more than 2,000 lost their lives. On African soil, Cuban and African blood was joined, a bond that unites us forever.”

In his message, the Lazo recalled the internationalist example given by the historical leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro Ruz, when he announced the first medical mission to the continent to help the sister people of Algeria – collaboration that expanded over the years. “Today there are some 6,000 Cuban collaborators working in 32 countries in the region, the vast majority of whom are health professionals, a sector that is now being strengthened in response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” the text states, also noting that bilateral cooperation has opened the way for young Africans to study in Cuba, with more than 30,000 students in various specialties having graduated to date.

Lazo also expressed our gratitude for Africa’s many expressions of solidarity with Cuba, including the continent’s unanimous vote at the United Nations and resolutions adopted every year by the African Union demanding an end to the U.S. blockade of Cuba.