Cuban President congratulates Harry Belafonte on his 95th birthday

Havana, Mar 1 (RHC)-- Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel congratulated U.S. musician and social activist Harry Belafonte on his birthday and recalled his friendship with the historic leader of the Revolution, Fidel Castro.

Congratulations to our good friend Harry Belafonte. From Cuba, where he is admired, respected, and loved for his artistic talent and his solidarity with our people, we hope he enjoys his 95th birthday in good health and among his loved ones.

According to the national newspaper Granma, Belafonte continues to be a source of inspiration for many of his compatriots.

And those of us from here value the exceptional artist, the extraordinary human being, the dear friend," the paper stressed in an article dedicated to the icon of American culture to whom the Cuban government awarded the Friendship Medal in 2000.

The historic leader of the Revolution and the actor and singer cultivated a very close relationship since Belafonte met Cuba again in 1974. Ever since, as long as his health allowed it, he never lost the route to Havana.

Considered the King of calypso, Belafonte stood out for his social activism and fight for human rights in his home country. He was one of the celebrities who supported the cause for the freedom of the five Cuban anti-terrorists, victims of long and unjust sentences in U.S. prisons.