Moscow, Russian Federation. Political Bureau member Roberto Morales Ojeda, secretary of organization of the Central Committee of the Communist Party, described Wednesday afternoon's meeting with Dimitri Anatolyevich Medvedev, president of the United Russia party and vice president of the nation's Security Council, as "very friendly and familiar," highlighting the strength of the historic relations between Cuba and this Eurasian nation.
The party leader conveyed to Medvedev warm greetings from Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, leader of the Cuban Revolution, and Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, First Secretary of the Party's Central Committee and President of the Republic, who recall with great satisfaction the meetings held in recent years.
"We are pleased with the excellent state of our relations with the United Russia party," Morales Ojeda said, while reiterating our party's willingness to continue deepening and diversifying them, since "in the current circumstances we are experiencing, the importance of collaboration is increasing."
In greeting his counterpart, the President of the United Russia Party expressed his gratitude for the meeting and reciprocated the greetings sent by Army General Raúl Castro Ruz and Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez. He also highlighted the importance of coordinated work and consultation between the parties of both nations.
The leaders agreed that this is a very complex time for Cuba and the Eurasian nation due to Western economic sanctions, and that in the face of these challenges, it is always good to exchange ideas and seek ways to strengthen economic relations and expand political dialogue.
CUBA HONORS A DEAR FRIEND AND BROTHER
A man who embodies like few others the unbreakable bridge between Cuba and this nation, the dear "friend, comrade, and brother" of our people: Iván Melnikov, first vice president of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation and also of the State Duma, was awarded the Order of Solidarity, Morales Ojeda, on Wednesday.
At the ceremony, held at the State Duma headquarters, the presidential decree was read out, recognizing how, throughout his political career, the Russian communist leader "has been an admirer of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz," was "very active in the battle for the liberation of the Five Heroes," and "has maintained a historic and unconditional friendship, of proven loyalty and commitment to the Cuban Revolution."
In this regard, Morales Ojeda highlighted that, since the complex 1990s with the disappearance of the socialist camp and the disintegration of the Soviet Union, Melnikov raised his voice to defend our homeland when few believed in its survival. He also said that Melnikov has done so to oppose the hostile policy of the United States against our country, especially in the face of the intensified blockade.
He insisted that the current relations between Havana and Moscow are not a temporary alliance of convenience, but a strategic link born of a common worldview, the struggle against imperialism, and a firm conviction in independence and sovereignty. "It is the continuation of a bond that safeguarded the very existence of the Cuban Revolution and that is being renewed today in the face of new challenges.
"This relationship is, above all, between peoples. And it is at this level that the figure of comrade Ivan Melnikov takes on exceptional relevance," said the Secretary of Organization of the Party's Central Committee, noting that he has understood that solidarity is a weapon loaded with future potential. "He has worked tirelessly to promote mutual understanding and to defend, in every forum and on every platform, the justice of the Cuban cause.
"By awarding him the Order of Solidarity, we are simply repaying, in a small gesture, a tiny part of the enormous debt of gratitude we owe him," said Morales Ojeda, who asked that the award "be a perpetual reminder that, for Cuba, Russia is and will remain a strategic ally and a brother. And that the figure of Ivan Melnikov will forever be linked to the history of this victorious brotherhood."
In expressing his gratitude for the recognition, Melnikov highlighted the opportunity to work toward the development of Russian-Cuban cooperation. "For me, these relations are probably even more than just friendship," he said, adding that "in the current conditions and circumstances, when the world is changing and the unipolar world is fading, the friendship between Russia and Cuba is necessary not only for our countries. It is, once again, broad. It is a key factor in international politics."
For their part, Viacheslav Volodin, chairman of the State Duma, and Gennady Zyuganov, chairman of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation, who presided over the award ceremony, praised the responsibility of both institutions in sustaining the development of bilateral strategic cooperation, whether political, legislative, economic, or commercial. They also highlighted the enduring legacy of the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro Ruz, nine years after his death.
"A friend in adversity is a true friend. When we talk about challenges, we can overcome them together. And when you have a shoulder to lean on like Cuba's, it's easier to win. Historical experience shows that our countries achieve their development goals with perseverance, constancy, and tenacity. Therefore, victory will be ours," Volodin said.
Meanwhile, Zyuganov stressed that Cuba has been a moral example for more than half a century, a model of struggle for justice, sovereignty, and genuine independence: "It is no coincidence that Cuba is known throughout the world as an island of freedom, of brave and true heroes," he said, adding that "this is not just an award; it is a celebration of solidarity, friendship, and peace in the name of Cuba and the future of our people."
After the award ceremony, the top representatives of the Communist Party and the State Duma of the Russian Federation held talks with Morales Ojeda, in which they reaffirmed the firm will of the Communist Party of Cuba to continue strengthening and deepening its ties with these organizations, as well as to remain united in the struggle against imperialism and fascism.
After learning details of the program commemorating the centenary of the birth of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz, they said that this date will be celebrated in Russia as if it were "our national holiday." Meanwhile, the Secretary of Organization of the Party's Central Committee confirmed that "we feel every obstacle you face as our own, and we make every victory our own. We are one big family."
