Since May 31, 1979, a historic date that marked the establishment of diplomatic relations between Cuba and Suriname; Both nations have consolidated historical ties based on solidarity and bilateral cooperation for 45 years.
The presidents of the National Assemblies of Cuba and Suriname, Esteban Lazo Hernández and Marinus Bee, respectively, led this Friday in Havana the emotional and fraternal commemoration of that memorable event, at the headquarters of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP). ; occasion on which the head of the Cuban Parliament highlighted the priority that our country gives to unity and integration based on cooperation, complementarity and solidarity, to achieve high economic and social development, with peace and social justice, for the benefit of our people.
In his speech, Homero Acosta Álvarez, secretary of the Cuban legislature, said that, since May 31, 1979, the cultural, political and cooperation ties between the two countries have been strengthened, especially with the opening of diplomatic headquarters in Paramaribo in 2006 and in Havana in 2010.
«The examples of Cuba’s footprint in Suriname and vice versa are dissimilar. Starting in 2006, bilateral exchange increased significantly with the resumption of cooperation in the field of Health, the presence of medical brigades through the Comprehensive Health Program, the establishment of Operation Miracle and, more recently, for the confrontation COVID-19.
«Cuba has maintained, like the rest of the Caribbean countries, the training program for professionals, mainly in medical careers. 125 Surinamese students have graduated in Cuba, of them 63 with a medical profile, 55 from institutions of the Ministry of Higher Education and seven from INDER. Currently, 42 young people from that country are studying in Cuba as scholarship holders and self-financed students,” said Acosta Álvarez.
At the same time, he praised the relevance of this visit to the Greater Antilles by the head of the Surinamese Parliament, “which we received with so much satisfaction.” Hence, “taking advantage of it to reiterate the need to follow up on the fulfillment of the bilateral commitments assumed within the framework of that great event is a duty that we know will be reciprocated with concrete results,” with a view to strengthening the ties of brotherhood between our countries and, in particular, for the strengthening of economic relations with mutually advantageous benefits, added the Secretary of the Council of State.
Finally, he reiterated our nation’s invariable support for the Caribbean in its just demands for reparation and compensation, as an act of justice, for the damages caused by slavery; as well as the sincere gratitude for having raised their voice to demand the end of the criminal and unjust blockade imposed by the United States and the spurious inclusion of Cuba on the list of States that sponsor terrorism, prepared by the US Department of State.
A lasting friendship unites Suriname and Cuba
The President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Suriname, Marinus Bee, stated that it is a deep honor to have been invited by the National Assembly of People’s Power to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Cuba and Suriname.
«This milestone reminds us of the enduring friendship that unites our nations. Let us continue building bridges, fostering understanding and exploring avenues for cooperation. “Together we can create a brighter future, marked by compassion, justice and shared prosperity,” he noted in his cordial speech.
Furthermore, he recalled that this is his second visit to Cuba, since 13 years ago he had the privilege of being here as a member of Parliament and today, as President of the Surinamese legislative body, he has the honor of making an official visit “to this extraordinary nation, a place full of history, resilience and inspiration.
In this sense, he recognized the invaluable legacy of the historical leader of the Cuban Revolution Fidel Castro Ruz in the consolidation of bilateral relations between our peoples; At the same time, he ratified his solidarity with the Greater Antilles in the fight for the lifting of the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the Government of the United States of America.
«The legacy of Commander in Chief Fidel Castro Ruz continues to be present in our joint pronouncements. His commitment to solidarity, camaraderie and collaboration has laid the foundation for our current cooperation. With these foundations, we seek to further strengthen our ties.
«I admire the resilience of the Cuban people, despite the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed on Cuba by the United States for more than 60 years. “Suriname resolutely supports Cuba in condemning this injustice,” said the distinguished visitor.
Likewise, he highlighted Cuba’s work in international relations, especially in times of confrontation with the COVID-19 pandemic. “Their production of COVID-19 vaccines and their unwavering commitment to global health deserve our sincere gratitude. As we express our gratitude, let us also recognize the opportunities that Cuba has provided for Surinamese students to pursue medical studies here. Education knows no borders and this exchange of knowledge strengthens our ties », she concluded.
At the ceremony, Wendy Manushka Paulus-Aminta, ambassador of the Republic of Suriname in Cuba, mentioned some of the milestones of the 45 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries; at the same time that our nation once again ratified its solidarity with the cause of the brother people of Palestine.
Also participating in the commemoration were Ana María Mari Machado, vice president of the National Assembly of People’s Power and the Council of State; the deputy and Hero of the Republic of Cuba Fernando González Llort, president of ICAP; more than twenty ambassadors and members of the Diplomatic Corps accredited in Cuba; among other guests.
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