The First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba and President of the Republic, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, at the closing of the International Meeting of Solidarity with Cuba "For a World Without Blockade: Active Solidarity on Fidel's Centennial," asserted that Cuba is not an unusual threat to the United States; there is no valid reason for military aggression against the island. In this regard, he recalled occasions on which Cuba has mediated important peace processes, both in the region and globally, including the historic meeting between the Vatican and the Russian Orthodox Church, he pointed out.
And he affirmed that the Cuban people are committed to continuing to be a beacon of hope in the Caribbean for all those who believe the world must be better, he said.
Furthermore, he stated that this May Day was a historic day for the Caribbean nation, as more than 80% of the working-age population over 16 years of age signed for peace and against war, while around five million Cubans marched throughout the country for sovereignty and against war. "This is not the failed state they try to portray," he emphasized.
In that regard, he emphasized that the island's youth, participants and protagonists of that anti-imperialist march, came out to defend the Revolution, just as the youth of the Centennial of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro did, even though the country is going through a complex economic situation as a consequence of the tightening of the economic blockade imposed by the U.S. government.
In his remarks, the Cuban president referred to the manipulation and distortion of reality aimed at forcing people to break with their roots, their identity, and their culture. He warned that it is also a media war waged through digital networks and traditional media to promote supremacist values and xenophobia, and to assassinate reputations.
He also emphasized that the country's greatest strength lies in its people, its citizens, and the workers who are building a dignified future. "That strength in Cuba is multiplied thanks also to solidarity, and this is a moment of global struggle against selfishness, for resistance and creativity," he affirmed.
He stated that projects are underway to guarantee the development of the energy matrix transformation through renewable energy sources. Furthermore, he expressed that: "We aspire to achieve food sovereignty through the use of science, technology, and innovation. I know that some problems may arise in the current context, but we continue to grow, we continue to work, and we continue to believe."
For the President, every Cuban "has a role in the defense and a role to play; therefore, we will resist," he affirmed. "The Cuban people are not afraid," he declared.
They said Cuba wouldn't be able to refine its domestic crude oil, and we achieved it through our own efforts. Now we just need to double that production, he noted.
Along the same lines, Díaz-Canel affirmed that Cuba will continue to be a just nation, with room for everyone. "It will continue to offer solidarity, supporting just causes around the world, such as the struggle of the Palestinian people, the Bolivarian Revolution, and the freedom of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife."
"Long live International Workers' Day! Long live solidarity among peoples! Cuba is not alone!" the President of the Republic concluded.
