AMEXCID delegation in Cuba

On Thursday afternoon, at the Palace of the Revolution, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, the First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and President of the Republic, welcomed a delegation from the Mexican Agency for International Development Cooperation (AMEXCID), led by its executive director, Minister Alejandra del Moral Vela.

Photos via Estudios Revolución

By Alina Perera Robbio, translated from the Spanish

The bond between Cuba and Mexico transcends formalities, and as President Díaz-Canel has said, the matter of that sister nation holds a special place in the hearts of those born on the island.

The Head of State made this clear on Thursday afternoon while receiving a delegation from the Mexican Agency for International Development Cooperation (AMEXCID), led by its executive director, Minister Alejandra del Moral Vela, at the Palace of the Revolution.

The warmth and comfort typical of strong, long-lasting comradeships were evident in their exchange. "How are you doing, President?" the executive director inquired upon arriving at the protocol venue and being greeted by the dignitary. "How have you been doing? Well?" asked the First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba. The friend confidently responded, "Very good, honestly very well," after interacting with agricultural producers.

Concerning the collaboration by Mexican experts with producers in the island's western region, known as "Rural Development and Strengthening of Local Capacities," the president acknowledged that it is "a project progressing very well and is highly encouraging for producers." Both parties are strongly committed to extending this type of assistance to other parts of the country.

Alejandra del Moral Vela was clear: "Today, we were in Artemisa in the morning, and it's truly gratifying to see the results." The Head of State also noted that the exchange has been transforming the management of local production systems among the benefited producers. They have acquired machinery, increased production levels, and the experience has changed mindsets.

President Díaz-Canel Bermúdez expressed his gratitude to the visitor by saying, "We thank you very much for the visit." He emphasized that the visitor's presence is yet another testament to "the historical relations we share, characterized by comradeship, solidarity, respect, admiration, and understanding. I always tell the Mexican parties that the connection with Mexico in Cuba is so cherished that it extends beyond government and Party relations, touching families and peoples."

The president expressed strong gratitude to President Claudia Sheinbaum for maintaining an "excellent political dialogue" with the island, even in the face of significant imperial pressures.

"We," the president said, "are very grateful to the Mexican government for its position towards Cuba in these times of pressure." And he emphasized: "In these times that have been very difficult for us with the tightening of the blockade, we have had many gestures from your government."

The Head of State stated that Cuba will continue its collaboration with Mexico in medicine, sports, and biotechnology. He also recalled a memorable moment that both nations will always cherish: when Mexican firefighters arrived in Matanzas to assist in battling the fire at the Supertanker Base. Díaz-Canel regarded this support as crucial on Thursday, highlighting "the experience and equipment they brought, which left a significant impression on the Cuban people." He also mentioned that the support from Venezuela will be remembered.

After the president highlighted "our gratitude and our willingness to continue expanding the ties of collaboration and work, and above all to continue consolidating relations," Alejandra del Moral Vela articulated a key term: "willingness," reflecting the desire to continue on the same path of remarkable friendship.

The Basic Agreement on Development Cooperation between the Government of the United Mexican States and the Government of the Republic of Cuba, signed on April 12, 1999, regulates the cooperation between Cuba and Mexico. The Mexican side implements all actions arising from this agreement through AMEXCID. Currently, alongside agricultural projects, a significant initiative involving the installation of solar panels in Cuban health institutions is underway.

On Thursday afternoon, Oscar Pérez-Oliva Fraga, the Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment (Mincex); Lázaro Víctor Artola Madrazo, the Deputy Minister of Mincex; and Eugenio Martínez Enríquez, the ambassador-designate to the United Mexican States, were present.

This work was translated and shared via a License CC-BY-NC