The interim director general of Multilateral Affairs and International Law of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ana Silvia Rodríguez, accompanied him in the tribute to the man also considered the Apostle of Cuban independence, according to national television.
Upon arriving at the José Martí International Airport in the capital the day before, to begin his official visit, Francis said that this is an opportunity to discuss the challenges of today’s world, progress and sustainability, with an emphasis on strengthening multilateralism.
He said that during his stay, until this Saturday, he will hold discussions on common ideas for international cooperation, ongoing regional and global challenges, and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, in preparation for the Future Summit, to be held next September.
Speaking to the press, he rejected the coup attempts that had taken place in Bolivia and expressed his position in favour of defending democracy, the legitimacy of the government and respect for the constitution of that country.
The visitor’s work agenda includes meetings with President Miguel Díaz-Canel, Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez, and the Deputy Minister of Public Health, Tania Margarita Cruz.
Among other activities, he will offer a keynote lecture this Friday in the Aula Magna of the University of Havana with the topic Cuba and multilateralism: opportunities and challenges, with the participation of government officials, diplomats, young people, women leaders and academics.
Francis, a native of Trinidad and Tobago, assumed the Presidency of the 78th UN General Assembly in September 2023.
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