Towards a just and lasting peace: Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez

On June 23-24 the First International Forum for Peace was held in Brussels, Belgium. Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba and President of the Republic, sent the following greeting (translated from the Spanish):

As Fidel Castro said, "Fighting for peace is the most sacred duty of all human beings, regardless of their religion or country of birth, the color of their skin, their age or their youth." Faithful to his legacy and relentless efforts to maintain peace, Cuba reasserts its dedication and commitment to this cause.

On behalf of the Communist Party of Cuba, the Government, and the Cuban people, we extend our welcome to this International Forum for Peace. This gathering holds significant importance given the current complexity of the struggle and its pressing nature due to war, destruction, loss of life, and the displacement of thousands of innocent people.

At a time when the genocidal Israeli regime is waging war against the Islamic Republic of Iran with the support of its main ally, the United States government, putting the Middle East and humanity at large at risk, this Forum is of paramount importance.

We must coordinate our efforts against war, armed conflict, militarization, blockades, and climate change, and advocate, through responsibility, disarmament, effective multilateralism, sustainable development, dialogue, cooperation, and internationalist solidarity.

Peace encompasses much more than merely the lack of war or military actions. It should be understood as the eradication of injustices stemming from resource theft, the imposition of one’s will, colonialist practices, and any actions that undermine human dignity.

I must acknowledge the brave and noble Palestinian people, who endure the Zionist genocide, injustice, and the violation of the most fundamental right: the right to life, on a daily basis. To our Palestinian brothers and sisters, we extend our admiration, respect, and unwavering support.

From Cuba, which, despite facing very challenging circumstances, upholds its independence, sovereignty, and the right to live with dignity—free from blockades, sanctions, and without abandoning its history and principles—we send a message of hope and optimism in light of initiatives like this International Forum aimed at developing a peace strategy.

Let us not be indifferent; let us work together to achieve a just and lasting peace, to build a new political and economic order, and for the well-being and security of our peoples.

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