MOSCOW, Russian Federation.- Presidents Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez and Vladimir Putin unveiled a monument to Commander in Chief Fidel Castro in the neighborhood of Sokol, after three o’clock on November 22. The ceremony was the opportunity for both leaders to come together and share ideas.
“We are gathered here, in the square that bears the name of Fidel Castro to inaugurate a monument to this outstanding public and political personality, the founder of the modern Cuban State," Putin said.
It was moving to hear in the statesman's voice that "Fidel Castro devoted his whole life to the struggle for the triumph of ideas of good, peace, justice and freedom for the oppressed peoples, for a dignified life for ordinary people, for social equality."
"He (the Commander in Chief) is rightly considered one of the most brilliant and charismatic leaders of the 20th century," he said. He also defined him as a legendary personality and as the symbol of an entire era.
History’s dazzling transcendence emerged: Fidel had been the architect of the closeness between two nations, and he did it in such a way that the reciprocal affection and respect have not faded away, as if those long talks were still taking place, whether on a snowy night or in the morning of a burning sun.
DIAZ-CANEL AND MEDVEDEV MEET IN MOSCOW
President Díaz-Canel Bermúdez was received by the vice-president of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, Dimitri Medvedev, at the Gorki residence on the outskirts of the city of Moscow on November 21.
Medvedev, also president of the United Russia Party, thanked the Cuban President for meeting him here again and described this visit as intense. These consultations show the friendship ties that have united us for many decades. We live in a complex world, under strong sanctions, and Cuba for us is a country with experience in these matters, he said.
“Sanctions against Cuba and Russia cannot slow down the economic cooperation between our countries and the ties between parties,” he said.
The Cuban head of state conveyed a warm embrace from Army General Raul Castro Ruz, who has very pleasant memories of the meetings with Medvedev, said Diaz-Canel.
CUBA HAS THE FULL SUPPORT OF THE COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
The dialogue between Díaz-Canel Bermúdez and the general secretary of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation, Andréyevich Ziugánov was marked by the usual warmth that distinguishes the reunion between friends.
"A big, strong embrace," said Ziuganov, as a welcoming greeting to the Cuban leader, who said to be very happy to meet with the political leader and "very grateful for this meeting.
In these difficult times for Cuba, Díaz-Canel stressed, "you have been very active in supporting our country and you promoted a Resolution of support to Cuba in the fight against the blockade in the Duma."
Díaz-Canel also conveyed a greeting from Army General Raúl Castro to Ziugánov: "Tell him his brother Raúl sends him a strong greeting," the president shared.
"Dear comrade President and friend, for the Communist Party of the Russian Federation it is not only a great responsibility and honor to receive you, but also a moment of great joy," Andreyevich Ziuganov replied.
RUSSIA CAN ALWAYS COUNT ON CUBA
Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez described the meeting he held at the Council of the Federal Assembly of Russia with its president, Ivanovna Matvienko as fruitful in his Twitter account.
The Head of State also expressed satisfaction "with the high level of political dialogue and excellent state of bilateral relations, and the willingness to continue strengthening cooperation."
After the talks concluded at the headquarters of the Upper House of the Russian Parliament, the Cuban President and Mrs. Ivanovna Matvienko inaugurated the traveling exhibition "Oh, Havana! Transit...", which brings together works by several Russian artists that depict moments of Cuban history, culture and traditions, among others.
CUBA IS AN EXAMPLE OF HOW TRUTH CAN WIN OUT OVER FORCE
A visit to His Holiness Kirill, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, at the Danilov Monastery, seat of the Russian Orthodox Church, was a must.
Díaz-Canel conveyed "a strong and warm greeting from the General of the Army"to the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church.
The conversation returned to Fidel over and over. "For us, Fidel always becomes a systematic, daily reference, especially in these times of crisis. When we have to face very complex problems every day, the first thing that always comes to my mind is what would Fidel do in a situation like this, and we try to look for guidance in his legacy and find solutions to the problems from his thought," he shared with His Holiness Kirill.
The Cuban president described the political dialogue between the Russian Federation and Cuba as "excellent." In the meeting, he also expressed "the will of our government to continue developing the relations of friendship, solidarity and respect with the Russian Orthodox Church."
