Putin Expresses Russia's Solidarity with the Cuban People

Russian President Vladimir Putin today sent a telegram to his Cuban counterpart, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, on the occasion of the centennial of Fidel Castro's birth.

In the message, read by Mikhail Shvydkoi, the Russian president's special representative for international cultural cooperation, during the First International Colloquium "Fidel: Legacy and Future," held in the Caribbean nation's capital, the Russian leader affirmed that Moscow maintains its full solidarity with the Cuban people.

"Taking this opportunity, I would like to confirm our unwavering solidarity with the Cuban people and wish you, dear friend, good health and success in your work as head of state," the president stated. Putin warmly congratulated his Cuban counterpart on the occasion of the centennial of the birth of the leader of the Cuban Revolution and longtime head of state, Fidel Castro.

The Russian president recalled that the most important events in Cuba's recent history are inseparably linked to the name of this outstanding man, noting that under his leadership enormous socioeconomic progress was achieved and Havana's international standing grew significantly.

Putin added that Fidel Castro always enjoyed sincere respect in Russia, stating that he made an enormous personal contribution to the development of friendly relations between the two countries, tirelessly working toward the building of a just and truly democratic world order.

The Russian leader also congratulated the former First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba, Raúl Castro, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the birth of his older brother, the Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro.

In his letter, Putin wrote: "Dear comrade Raúl, dear friend, please accept my warmest congratulations on the centennial of the birth of your older brother, Fidel Castro."

The head of state noted that Fidel Castro's entire life was devoted to selfless service to his homeland, and that today his name stands as a symbol of freedom, justice, and patriotism for Cubans and for millions of people in different countries around the world.

"In Russia, we deeply honor the memory of Fidel Castro, a loyal and reliable friend of our country, who made an enormous personal contribution to building multifaceted partnership relations between Havana and Moscow," the president emphasized.

Putin recalled that he had met the legendary revolutionary on several occasions and holds the fondest memories of him. The Russian leader also wished Raúl Castro good health, well-being, and strength of spirit.