Chronicle Editor
Online Writer
THIS morning, the President of the National Assembly of the People’s Power and the Council of State of the Republic of Cuba, Honourable Juan Esteban Lazo Hernández, paid a courtesy call on President Emmerson Mnangagwa at State House in Harare.
The meeting marks the start of a three-day official visit aimed at fostering bilateral relations and cooperation between Zimbabwe and Cuba, reinforcing the historic ties and solidarity that have long defined the relationship between the two nations.
Honourable Hernández’s visit underscores the enduring partnership between Zimbabwe and Cuba, which dates back to Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle. Cuba, under the leadership of the late Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro, provided significant support to Zimbabwe’s fight for independence, including military training and humanitarian aid.
During his stay, Honourable Hernández is scheduled to engage in high-level discussions with senior Zimbabwean officials, including the Speaker of Parliament, Advocate Jacob Mudenda. The Cuban delegation will also visit key cultural and historical sites, such as the monument honouring Fidel Castro along Fidel Castro Road in Harare and the African Liberation Museum.
The visit coincides with the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Zimbabwe and Cuba, a milestone that will be commemorated in a ceremony presided over by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Professor Amon Murwira.
The visit also comes at a time when both nations are seeking to enhance their bilateral ties in the face of global challenges.
The visit concludes on Friday, with Honourable Hernández expected to depart Harare after a farewell ceremony hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.
Zimbabwe and Cuba have maintained strong diplomatic relations since 1979, when Cuba became one of the first countries to recognise Zimbabwe’s independence. Over the years, the two nations have collaborated in various sectors, including healthcare, education, and agriculture. Cuban doctors have played a crucial role in Zimbabwe’s healthcare system, while Zimbabwe has supported Cuba in international forums, particularly in opposing economic sanctions imposed on the Caribbean nation.
The relationship between the two countries is also deeply rooted in their shared history of liberation struggles. Cuba’s support for Zimbabwe’s fight against colonialism remains a cornerstone of their friendship, symbolised by the Fidel Castro Road in Harare.
Online Reporter