Ivan Melnikov, First Vice-Chairman of the State Duma (Lower House of the Russian Parliament), said on Friday that Cuba is a shining beacon for Latin America and the world.

“The Cuban people changed their destiny 65 years ago. They opened a bright future and paved the way from a dependent and backward country to an independent State. The way from the proclamation of goals and objectives to their concrete and unconditional success,” the legislative leader emphasized.

Speaking at a reception organized by the Cuban Embassy in Moscow to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the triumph of the Cuban Revolution, Melnikov praised the political and social benefits achieved by Cuba over the last six decades.

The Cuban people’s achievements in medicine, education, culture, sports, science, and advanced technologies are well known. “They have become a shining beacon for Latin America and have influenced and continue to influence many countries worldwide,” he stressed.

All these have taken place in the most complex conditions due to constant political and economic pressure, enemies of the island of freedom, regular natural disasters, and difficult pandemic years.

“Their unity and creative work are indissolubly linked to the name of the outstanding politician and statesman of our time, Fidel Castro, his faithful comrade-in-arms Raul Castro and, of course, legendary Comandante Ernesto Che Guevara,” Melnikov stressed.