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Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
CUBAN President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez has lauded Zimbabwe and President Mnangagwa for their steadfast support for Cuba’s successful campaign to be removed from the United States list of State sponsors of terrorism.
The removal is seen as a crucial step in Cuba’s ongoing battle against economic sanctions imposed by the US.
US President Joe Biden on Tuesday removed Cuba from a list of countries that sponsor terrorism.
He also lifted some financial sanctions on Havana.
Speaking in a meeting with Zimbabwe’s Special Envoy, Ambassador Simbarashe Mumbengegwi, at the Palace of the Revolution in Havana, Cuba, on Wednesday, President Díaz-Canel spoke about the shared struggles of Zimbabwe and Cuba, reaffirming his commitment to strengthening bi-lateral relations.
At the meeting, Ambassador Mumbengegwi delivered a special message from President Mnangagwa and received historical artefacts from Cuba intended for Zimbabwe’s Museum of African Liberation.
“This is a victory for the Cuban people, but we also share it with friends like you, who have supported us internationally,” said President Díaz-Canel.
He spoke passionately about the shared struggles of both nations against unjust American sanctions and commended Zimbabwe’s solidarity on the global stage.
The Cuban leader reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the historic ties between the two nations, advocating for expanded cooperation and deeper collaboration.
He also presented a gift for President Mnangagwa as a token of friendship.
Ambassador Mumbengegwi expressed gratitude for Cuba’s unwavering support during Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.
“Cuba was the smallest country from a geographical perspective, yet it contributed the most to our liberation struggle,” he said.
Ambassador Mumbengegwi highlighted the significance of the artefacts donated by Cuba, which include military tanks from the historic Battle of Cuito Cuanavale in Angola, a personnel carrier, military regalia, historical documents, books, and films.
These items will be displayed at the Museum of African Liberation in Harare, a project led by the Institute of African Knowledge (INSTAK) with full Government backing.
“This priceless donation will receive a befitting ceremony once it arrives in Zimbabwe,” Ambassador Mumbengegwi said.
The Museum of African Liberation serves as a tribute to the continent’s fight against colonialism and apartheid.
Notably, Cuba is one of three non-African countries, alongside China and Russia, to have its flag raised at the museum, recognising its substantial contributions to African liberation movements.
Cuba’s support for Zimbabwe extends beyond historical struggles, encompassing significant contributions to the development of Zimbabwe’s human capital and health sector in the post-independence era.
The meeting included senior Cuban officials such as head of the Department of International Relations of the Communist Party Emilio Lozada García, and Deputy Foreign Minister Elio Rodríguez Perdomo.
Ambassador Mumbengegwi’s delegation had senior Zimbabwean officials including Deputy Chief Secretary Zvinechimwe Churu, Brigadier-General Million Ndlovu, and INSTAK chief executive officer Ambassador Kwame Muzawazi.
The meeting reaffirmed the lasting solidarity between Cuba and Zimbabwe, grounded in shared history and a commitment to mutual development.
Online Reporter