Cuban delegation meets with PSUV, visits National Pantheon of Venezuela

Roberto Morales Ojeda, a member of the Political Bureau and Secretary of Organization of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba, met with Diosdado Cabello Rondón, the Secretary General of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela. Along with his accompanying delegation, he also honored Simón Bolívar and Commander Hugo Chávez.

Photos: Vladimir Molina

By Yuniel Labacena Romero, translated from the Spanish

CARACAS, Venezuela — "Your visit is always pleasant, comforting, it is good news for us and today wherever Fidel and Chavez are there will be a smile of satisfaction, of tranquility, because we have known how to stay united, because the brotherhood between Cuba and Venezuela is strengthening more and more every day."

Diosdado Cabello Rondón, the secretary general of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV), mentioned this during a meeting on Thursday with Roberto Morales Ojeda, a member of the Political Bureau and the secretary of Organization of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC), who started an official visit to the sister nation on that day.

Rondón, who is also the Minister of People's Power for Interior Affairs, Justice and Peace of Venezuela stated that "his visit here is essential for us, for the people, for the Party" and extended "the most cordial welcome" to the party leader and the accompanying delegation on behalf of the legitimate president of the country, Nicolás Maduro Moros.

Cabello Rondón expressed gratitude to Cuba for its consistent solidarity with the Bolivarian Revolution, stating, "We are pleased to welcome them as brothers and friends." He mentioned that over the years, they have gained significant insights from the Cuban Party's history of struggle, its challenges, and its resistance to imperialism.

He emphasized that Venezuela has consistently supported peoples striving for their freedom and highlighted that collaboration with Cuba represents solidarity among free nations. "The enemy has always been common, but now more aggressively. Anyone who challenges Cuba challenges Venezuela, and the reverse is also true," he stated.

For his part, Morales Ojeda conveyed the greetings of Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, leader of the Cuban Revolution; and Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party and President of the Republic. He also conveyed the support of Cuba in this fight against efforts of imperialist interference in the internal matters and self-determination of both nations.

"We recognize how the Venezuelan president and the popular-military-police fusion have managed to summon the people to defend their homeland, their independence, their sovereignty. We believe that this expression is evident in the cohesion and unity of the people and all their leaders, ensuring that the Bolivarian Revolution will be strengthened once again, as it has been on many other occasions," he said.

He added that the Cuban delegation's presence in the land of Bolívar and Chávez is "a testament, as always, to the complete willingness to support and stand with the Venezuelan people in their struggles." He also recalled José Martí's visit to this nation to honor Bolívar when he remarked: "Give me Venezuela in which to serve it..."

"We reiterate that call, which is more than just a phrase; it represents revolutionary leadership and a sense of historical duty. We share this today as we confront the same adversary, imperialism, which seeks to subdue, usurp, and attack us. Our aim is to rise up and strive to make the declaration of Latin America and the Caribbean as a zone of peace a reality."

Morales Ojeda highlighted the role the PSUV is playing during these times of imperial onslaught and the appeal made at the extraordinary plenary of the 5th Congress of the organization. This also demonstrates the Party's commitment and greatness, as it truly intends to keep defending the interests of the Venezuelan people and fostering unity among them.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the leaders signed the roadmap to implement the exchange and collaboration agreement established between the Parties of both nations in August 2023, aiming to enhance political, diplomatic, and communicational efforts. This document also aims to bolster friendship, dialogue, political trust, and mutual understanding.

TRIBUTES THAT ARE AN INSPIRATION

The first tribute during Morales Ojeda's official visit to this nation was dedicated to Simón Bolívar, who tirelessly worked for the unity of Our America and championed the sacred right of our peoples to freedom. This tribute took place at the National Pantheon and Mausoleum of El Libertador, a monument rich in symbolism for both Venezuela and the entire continent, where Morales Ojeda was honored in accordance with his high status.

With authorities from the PSUV and the Antillean delegation present, the member of the Political Bureau reached the sarcophagus containing Simón Bolívar's remains and placed a wreath on behalf of the Cuban people. Shortly after, he signed a message affirming loyalty to the legacy of a man who symbolizes the rebellion of those who will not surrender to imperialism.

«… When imperial greed sends gunboats against this brave nation, we want to emphasize that we will always remain true to its legacy, because Bolívar, Venezuela, and their achievements inspire all Latin Americans, particularly Cubans who, like Martí, Bolívar's successor, are deeply Bolivarian and support the integrationist ideal. Now more than ever, we are guided by his belief that "the union between peoples is not an option, it is a necessity for survival.""...", he wrote.

It was a heartfelt and deep tribute at the Cuartel de la Montaña, occurring just minutes before 4:25 in the afternoon—the exact time when Commander Hugo Chávez Frías "bid farewell" to his people to embark on his journey to immortality. Morales Ojeda honored the best friend of the Cuban people, as Fidel described him, a leader who dedicated his efforts to the dream of unity for the Great Homeland.

The party leader and his entourage learned about the building's history, its symbolism, and how much of the Bolivarian Revolution was conceived within its walls. They placed a white rose in the mausoleum where Chávez's remains rest, symbolizing the comradeship that connects us to the homeland of a man who continues to lead Venezuelan struggles and inspire the emancipatory causes of Latin America and the world.

Morales Ojeda stated that visiting the Cuartel de la Montaña, where a powerful cannon shot is fired daily in his memory, moving the entire city to tears, is "an honor and revolutionary duty." He emphasized "the historical significance and extraordinary symbolism of this sacred site," not just for Venezuela, but also "for all Latin Americans and for those of us who believe in a better world."

Since Chávez's spirit endures and Cuba and Venezuela stay true to their leaders' legacy, he shared with the friends present as he departed the cherished location: "We are confronted with the challenges of the eternal Comandante, yet he resides in our hearts, in our memory, and in all our good deeds. You will continue to succeed, and we will keep supporting you. We reaffirm that, for Venezuela, we must give everything as Fidel taught us."

The Cuban delegation on this official visit is also made up of Jorge Luis Broche Lorenzo, member of the Secretariat of the Central Committee of the Party and head of the Productive Economic Department; Emilio Lozada García, head of the Department of International Relations; Aylín Álvarez García, first vice-rector of the University of the Ñico López Party; Meyvis Estévez Echevarría, first secretary of the National Committee of the UJC; Osnay Miguel Colina Rodríguez, president of the Organizing Committee of the 22nd. Congress of the CTC, and Dagoberto Rodríguez Barrera, ambassador of Cuba to the Bolivarian nation.

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