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The United Nations and world leaders sent messages of congratulations to Cuba, Friday, on the 57th anniversary of its revolution.
Representatives from UNESCO, the education, science and culture arm of the UN sent “warm congratulations” to Cuba in a letter signed by Deputy Director General for External Relations Eric Falt and Cuban representative to the institution Dulce Buergo.
The letter emphasized the “strong ties” between the U.N. body and Cuba, along with the active work done by the country in favor of international cooperation. The Cuban Revolution has made enormous strides in education, science and culture over the past few decades, obliterating illiteracy, building one of the best healthcare systems in the world and becoming known worldwide for producing outstanding dancers, sportspeople and musicians.
Meanwhile, several world leaders commented on Cuba’s achievements.
Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a message to his Cuban counterpart, Raul Castro, confirming that relations of friendship and cooperation between the two countries have withstood the test of time and are currently very strong. Putin congratulated the president of Cuba and expressed assurance in strengthening the ties of bilateral strategic partnership.
Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff expressed confidence in being able to continue a common dialogue to promote bilateral relations with Cuba, particularly in the context of the Untited Nations, the BRICS bloc and other multilateral forums.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said, “The Cuban revolution is a paradigm of dignity for all the people of Latin America and the Caribbean, waging anti-imperialist struggles for justice, independence and self-determination of the people.”
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The Venezuelan government praised the “admirable struggle of resistance” in Cuba, which over more than five decades has fought to liberate Cubans from “the largest empire known to humanity,” without falling victim to U.S.-backed attempts to sabotage the process with the more than 50-year blockade and “constant conspiring.”
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The Venezuelan government statement also condemned the ongoing blockade of Cuba by the United States calling for, “a new era characterized by the end of the criminal blockade imposed by the United States.”
Cuba has repeatedly insisted that the U.S. end the economic blockade against the island, return the U.S. naval-occupied territory of Guantanamo, and respect the Cuban sovereignty by halting all funding of anti-government groups.
The year 2015 has been a landmark in the history of U.S.-Cuba relations as the two countries established foreign embassies and continue to normalize ties after decades of frozen relations.
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