Cuban delegation begins working visit to Russia, pays tribute to Fidel

Political Bureau member Roberto Morales Ojeda, Secretary of Organization of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba, commenced a working visit to the Russian Federation on Tuesday. The visit aims to strengthen the strong bonds of friendship between the parties, governments, and peoples of both countries.

Photos by Odette Diaz Fumero

By Yuniel Labaceno Romero, translated from the Spanish

MOSCOW, Russian Federation - On a day full of symbolism and remembrance, when the hearts of Cubans beat in unison remembering the death of the Commander in Chief, the first thought of those now in a distant land could not be of anyone other than him. On November 25, a date in Cuba that symbolizes legacy and commitment, Roberto Morales Ojeda, a member of the Political Bureau and Secretary of Organization of the Central Committee of the Communist Party, commenced his working visit to Russia by honoring Fidel on the 9th anniversary of his passing into immortality.

Around noon in Moscow, beneath a sky reminiscent of Havana, the party leader and his entourage traveled to the Sokol district. In the square that proudly bears the name of the eternal Caguairán, where an impressive bronze sculpture stands as a testament to the friendship between two peoples, Morales Ojeda and his accompanying delegation placed red flowers. The silence was profound, interrupted only by the whisper of the wind and the weight of history.

Minutes before, with a profound solemnity, he unveiled the ribbon of the floral offering. On the canvas, a few simple yet powerful words created an emotional connection: "To the undefeated Commander in Chief Fidel Castro Ruz on behalf of the Communist Party of Cuba and the Cuban people." Then, red flowers—radiant like the Revolution he led—were thoughtfully laid at the monument's base by each delegation member as a collective tribute and remembrance of Fidel.

That name, which Russians associate with a "sincere and reliable friend," as President Vladimir Putin said nine years ago in a letter to Army General Raúl Castro Ruz upon hearing of the Commander's passing, echoed warmly in the chilly air. It was Fidel who nurtured the special bond that now connects Cuba and Russia. He was the architect of a relationship that, as Morales Ojeda understood well, would soon be remembered for its shared heroism.

With this idea in mind, the group proceeded to the Museum of the Great Patriotic War. A young historian, inspired by the tales from his grandparents, guided them through the halls that echo with the sacrifice of over 27 million Soviets. Each photograph, relic, and object tells the story of a struggle that Fidel taught Cubans to respect: the saga of a people who saved the world from the fascist holocaust 80 years ago.

At the conclusion of the tour, Morales Ojeda, filled with emotion, said that "being here today holds special significance," noting that it coincides with the ninth anniversary of the passing of our cherished and always-present Commander in Chief. With a calm yet resolute voice, he emphasized that Fidel was the mentor who "instilled in the new generations of Cubans a love for the Russian people and a respect for their historical achievements."

To the team of this remarkable and stunning Museum, heartfelt "recognition and appreciation" were extended for their efforts in connecting the glorious past with new generations. This work serves as "the translation of historical memory, allowing it to endure for the new generations of the Russian people, as well as for all visitors." This is especially important today, as we confront imperialism and a new wave of fascism.

In line with the work agenda and the 65th anniversary of the reestablishment of diplomatic relations between Cuba and Russia, the Secretary of Organization of the Central Committee of the Party was welcomed at the Russian Government headquarters by Deputy Prime Minister Dmitri Chernyshchenko. During this meeting, the mutual interest of both countries in strengthening economic, commercial, and cooperative ties was clearly demonstrated.

The co-president of the Russian-Cuban Intergovernmental Commission for Commercial, Economic, Scientific, and Technical Cooperation expressed his solidarity with the Cuban people regarding the damage inflicted by the devastating Hurricane Melissa, which impacted the eastern part of the country. He commended the efforts made that prevented any human casualties and confirmed the dispatch of humanitarian aid "to our Cuban friends" to mitigate the effects of the meteorological event.

Chernyshchenko expressed condolences for the loss, a few months back, "of a friend and distinguished politician": Ricardo Cabrisas Ruiz, who served as deputy prime minister of the Republic of Cuba and co-chaired the Intergovernmental Commission with him. "We will always remember him as a very hard-working person, with whom it was a pleasure to work."

During another part of the conversation, he mentioned that the interactions between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez have elevated the relations between the two countries to a "qualitatively new level." He also expressed gratitude to Cuba for its involvement in the recent celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the victory over fascism and the 65th anniversary of the reestablishment of relations between our nations.

Morales Ojeda stated that this visit is in response to an invitation from the United Russia party to further strengthen our relations. He expressed hope that the involvement of our parties will elevate economic and trade relations to match the level of our political ties.

While providing an update on the country's challenging economic situation, particularly due to the effects of the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States, he emphasized that "we are not sitting idly by." We are actively working on a Government Program that serves as the guiding principle for the gradual recovery of the economy. This program is open to debate and collective development, reflecting our participatory democracy.

Morales Ojeda shared information regarding the preparations for the upcoming 9th Communist Party Congress scheduled for April next year. He expressed gratitude to the Russian authorities for their strong stance in condemning the U.S. blockade and the unfair listing of Cuba as a country allegedly sponsoring terrorism. "We will always stand with Russia, its history, its government, and its people."

At the conclusion of the day, the party leader engaged with members of the Cuban state mission in Russia, along with a group of Cuban students participating in the hundred scholarships teaching program. He provided them with an update on the country's situation following Hurricane Melissa and discussed the measures being taken to address disruptions and revitalize the economy.

"Your role here is crucial in contributing to that goal. There is much to accomplish and much to work on, but rest assured that we are making progress and will continue to advance. The Revolution is alive today and will remain so because of our heroic people, of which you are a part. From here, you serve as an important pillar in preserving the work of social justice that Fidel began." he said.

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