Putin and Díaz-Canel meet in Moscow

Image via the PCC

By Leticia Martínez Hernández, translated from the Spanish

Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomed Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez to the Kremlin. The Cuban President has been working intensively since Monday, first in St. Petersburg and now in Moscow.

"I would like to welcome you here in Moscow," Putin said, recalling that "we met exactly a year ago." He was referring to Díaz-Canel's visit in 2024, to also then participate in celebrations for the victory in the Great Patriotic War.

"I thank you for considering our invitation to celebrate with us the 80th anniversary of the victory in the war against Nazism," Putin said.

Regarding this, Putin emphasized that Cuba also made its contribution in the fight against Nazism, and mentioned the Cuban volunteers who fought alongside Soviet Army soldiers.

It is symbolic that this date coincides with the 65th anniversary of the reestablishment of diplomatic relations between our countries, the Russian dignitary stated, concluding his remarks to the accredited press with a "greeting to Comrade Raúl Castro." "We are very happy to see you," he added.

Taking the floor, President Díaz-Canel said, "It was very meaningful for us to be present on the occasion of these commemorations."

In this era, he stressed, where "attempts are increasing to try to diminish the leading and heroic role of the Soviet Union and the Red Army, of the Russian people, in relation to the victory over fascism, which was not only the victory to preserve the integrity of the Russian nation, but was also the victory against fascism for all humanity. I believe that the Russian people have the merit of having saved humanity from fascism and now it is a matter of rewriting history, it is a matter of denying that we are facing the presence of new manifestations of fascism on a global level, and I believe that striving to tell the true story, to remember that historical truth, is very important."

"We believe we were fulfilling our duty by being present on this occasion of celebration and by being with you", the Cuban President stated, adding that he was "bringing you a message and a warm embrace from the Army General."

Regarding relations between the two nations, he commented that they have endured despite the challenges they have faced.

“History has shown us that only unity based on cooperation, solidarity, and friendship allows us to face the challenges of today and tomorrow.”

“We are very happy to be here with you,” said Díaz-Canel.

Shortly after this meeting, he wrote on his X account that at this meeting they had also “provided updates on all the issues of cooperation that are moving forward firmly.”

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