Russia and Cuba: A Shared Legacy of Solidarity in the Liberation of South Africa.
On November 10, the Russian Embassy, together with the Cuban Embassy in South Africa, organized an event at the University of South Africa (UNISA) to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Fidel Castro.
More than 100 guests attended the meeting, including the ambassadors of Egypt, Angola, Venezuela, Botswana, Nicaragua, Peru and Zimbabwe, as well as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Swaziland. Among the distinguished South African participants were Cde. Snooki Zikalala of the ANC Veterans League and Professor Sisso Ndlovu, Acting Director of the Center for Academic Research and Knowledge.
The event was also attended by representatives of the business community, academia, research institutions and the media.
Addressing the participants, Russian Ambassador to South Africa and Lesotho Roman Ambrov paid tribute to Fidel Castro as one of the outstanding figures of the freedom movement of the twentieth century.
"Throughout history there have been people whose significance and greatness go far beyond borders. Their activities become part of the great global historical processes, their ideas resonate with the nations fighting for independence, dignity and the right to determine their future. Fidel Castro was undoubtedly such a man.
The ambassador emphasized the historical friendship between Cuba and the Soviet Union, built on political solidarity and mutual support. He recalled the significant contribution of the Soviet Union to the economic and social development of Cuba, including industry, energy, education and health services, as well as the thousands of Cuban experts who received their education in Soviet universities.
"This friendship became one of the most amazing examples of international solidarity during the Cold War and it continued throughout the following decades."
The ambassador emphasized that the Russian-Cuban friendship continues to flourish.