Unforgettable friendship
Celebrating 50 years of diplomatic ties between Sri
Lanka and Cuba:
Statement by Deputy Foreign Minister of Cuba
Marcos Rodriguez at the ceremony on the 50th anniversary of the
establishment of diplomatic relations between Cuba and Sri Lanka
It is a great deal of satisfaction to be here, this afternoon, on
behalf of the Cuban people and Government, to celebrate, along with the
Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples, at this hospitable venue
of Casa de la Amistad (House of Friendship), the 50th anniversary of the
establishment of diplomatic relations between Cuba and Sri Lanka.
Significant event
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Marcos
Rodriguez |
As we get ready to commemorate such a significant date, this
opportunity is also auspicious to express just recognition for the
sister Republic of Sri Lanka, as it was the first Asian country to
establish, only a few months into the victory, diplomatic relations with
the nascent Cuban Revolution, a sovereign gesture of unforgettable
friendship that will always live on in the hearts of our people, which
we are joyously celebrating today.
Logically, it was also Sri Lanka one of the countries visited by our
beloved Commander Ernesto Che Guevara in the context of his tour of the
region in August 1959; a country in which he left an indelible mark, not
only by planting a tree that is now growing as luxuriantly as his
revolutionary ideas, but also by seeping into the minds and hearts of
several generations of Sri Lankans, who are now actively integrated into
the large movement of solidarity with Cuba that exists in that brotherly
country.
As a genuine result of that sentiment of brotherhood that has
lovingly stood the test of time, we must underscore the successful
holding in Colombo, last year, of the IV Regional Meeting of Solidarity
with Cuba, which was, without a doubt, another indication of the
endeavours, the desires and the will of the Sri Lankans to strengthen
our historical bonds of friendship and to contribute to the unity of
Cuba’s friends in the Asia and Pacific region.
Geographic distance, as well as cultural, ethnic and religious
differences, have never become an obstacle preventing our relations of
friendship and cooperation from being increasingly solid. On the
contrary, it has been that diversity that has solidified those bonds in
the best spirit of non-aligned countries and nations of the South.
Throughout these 50 years, bilateral links have been characterized by
mutual respect and understanding, as well as by both countries’
attachment to the principles of International Law, as enshrined in the
United Nations Charter.
At the multilateral level, the cooperation and exchanges existing
between both countries must be highlighted, as there has been close
coordination and support for various issues pertaining to the
international agenda, based on the challenges that we must address given
our similar condition as developing countries and members of the
Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
Resistance
As part of this spirit, our country, both at the national level and
in its capacity as Chair of NAM, did not hesitate for a second to
strongly oppose the pressures and practices of imposition, selectivity
and politicization used by the West to try to hold the Sri Lankan
Government in condemnation over alleged human rights violations,
particularly at the recent XI Special Session of the Human Rights
Council.
Cuba takes pride in the traditional and historical support of the
Government of Sri Lanka for the just demand of the Cuban people that the
ruthless and unjust economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed
on our country by the US Government nearly 50 years ago be lifted.
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Jose Mendoza Argudin (a member of the
delegation led by Ernesto Che Guevara to Sri Lanka) with Sri
Lanka’s Ambassador to Havana Tamara Kunanayakam, Attache
Ganiachchi, Personal Assistant Nilanthi Goonewardene and a
Sri Lankan residing in Cuba Eeshani Jayewardene and daughter
of late Pieter Keuneman are also in the picture. |
Only a few days ago, in Egypt, Cuban President, Army General Ra£l
Castro Ruz, held a fraternal meeting with President Mahinda Rajapaksa at
the XV NAM Summit, in which the mutual interest in further promoting
greater bilateral links was ratified, as well as the will to continue
enhancing the objectives, principles and interests that brought the
Movement into being, which are fully valid and pertinent under the
current international circumstances.
In this context, the outstanding role played by Sri Lanka within NAM
cannot be forgotten, as it is a founding member of it. Just like Cuba,
it had the high responsibility of chairing the Movement since 1976
through 1979.
Cooperation
It also fills us with joy that Sri Lankan youth have had the
opportunity to graduate in our country, as this is a true symbol of the
level reached by our bilateral links and a modest contribution by Cuba
to the training of human resources for Sri Lanka. As we speak, 26 youth
are engaged in university studies in various higher education
specialties, rekindling the tradition of excelling for their discipline,
dedication and positive school results.
May this occasion also serve to reiterate our solidarity to the
brotherly people of Sri Lanka, a victim for so many years of an internal
conflict that has worn out the nation, reduced its possibilities for
development and caused the death of thousands of people. In doing so, we
would also like to wish them a speedy recovery and success in the
process of rebuilding the country, which we are sure your people will
embark on with a high spirit of unity, sovereignty and independence.
Before concluding my remarks, I would like to express sincere wishes
and our firm commitment to continue working to further enhance the
excellent relations of friendship, brotherhood and cooperation binding
our two countries.
Long live the friendship between Cuba and Sri Lanka! |