The Federation Council Speaker, together with the President of Cuba and the Chairman of the Moscow City Duma, opened a photo exhibition dedicated to Russia–Cuba relations.
Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matvienko, President of Cuba Miguel Mario Diaz-Canel, and Chairman of the Moscow City Duma Alexei Shaposhnikov opened a photo exhibition marking the 65th anniversary of Russia and Cuba resuming diplomatic relations. The Cuban delegation is on a visit to Moscow in order to take part in the celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory. The display was put together by Russia’s Foreign Ministry and the Embassy of the Republic of Cuba in the Russian Federation.
Valentina Matvienko thanked Miguel Mario Diaz-Canel for his constructive approach and major personal input in promoting bilateral relations. “Your particularly constructive, businesslike, and friendly relationship with President Vladimir Putin which is based on mutual trust guarantees that Russia-Cuba ties will continue to expand on a mutually beneficial basis.”
The Federation Council Speaker noted that during the Victory Day celebrations, it is important to note that Soviet-Cuban friendship dates back to October 1942 amid a strong anti-fascist movement on the island. “We cherish the memory of the Cubans who fought on the fronts of the Great Patriotic War far from their homeland.”
According to her, even during the most turbulent moments of the 20th century, sincere feelings of mutual affection and the shared pursuit of freedom and justice by the peoples of Russia and Cuba endured. She emphasised that our countries share common fundamental values. “Despite the geographical distance, we have always stood together and continue to stay together. Russia-Cuba relations have a long and rich history. It is a friendship written in the destinies of real people. It is Fidel and Raul Castro, who sincerely loved our country; Yury Gagarin and Che Guevara, who founded the Russia-Cuba Friendship Society.”
“Russia-Cuba relations gained full-scale development precisely after they had been reconstituted on 8 May 1960. Today, they are marked by a fulfilling and dynamic strategic partnership and true cooperation. Joint projects in energy, metallurgy, transport, medicine, biotechnology, agriculture, education, and research contribute to improving the lives of our respective nations,” Valentina Matvienko said.
The Speaker also highlighted the restoration of the Capitol dome in Havana for the city’s 500th anniversary, which was carried out with the help of Russian specialists. It’s not just an architectural project, but a symbol of respect for Cuba’s history and culture. She described the 100 Scholarships programme, under which scholarships for Cuban students to study at Russian universities are allocated annually. According to Valentina Matvienko, it’s an investment in the future of the young people.
The Federation Council Speaker noted the active cooperation between the two countries in the international arena in upholding the principles of equality of states, respect for sovereignty, and historical truth. “Russia has always stood in solidarity with Cuba in its struggle against the unjust US embargo and for its removal from the list of state sponsors of terrorism.”
Valentina Matvienko believes that Russia and Cuba have everything they need — mutual respect, strong spirit, and faith in justice — to move forward together. “We will continue working shoulder to shoulder for freedom and peace, for the right to build our own future.”
Cuban President Miguel Mario Diaz-Canel emphasised that the 80th anniversary of Victory is a significant date not only for Russia but for all of humanity. He noted the heroism of those who saved the world from Nazism in the 20th century, as well as those who are fighting its manifestations today.
The Cuban leader drew attention to the fact that productive cooperation in a wide variety of areas has been established between Havana and Moscow. He also pointed out that Cubans who studied in the Soviet Union and at Russian universities have made major contributions to promoting bilateral cooperation, especially in the manufacturing industry.
“Our friendship has stood the test of time. Cuba and Russia share common approaches to key international issues,” Miguel Mario Diaz-Canel said.
Chairman of the Moscow City Duma Alexei Shaposhnikov said that this anniversary was a vivid testament to the sincere friendship between our peoples, which has endured despite all challenges throughout history. He emphasised that Russia-Cuba relations are built on a solid foundation of solidarity and mutual respect.
“Strong ties unite not only our countries but our capital cities as well. In 2017, Fidel Castro Square appeared on the map of Moscow, and in 2022, the city parliament decided to install a monument to him,” Alexei Shaposhnikov said, noting the productive cooperation between Moscow lawmakers and their Cuban partners.
After touring the exhibition, the Federation Council Speaker proposed sending the photographs on display to Cuba.
The President of Cuba left an entry in the guestbook of the Moscow City Duma.
Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council Konstantin Kosachev also took part in the event.