Cuban Foreign Minister Hosts Global Gathering of Cuban Expatriates Amid Economic Hardship

Historic Engagement with Cuban Diaspora

November 19th marked a significant occasion in Havana as 361 Cubans residing across 54 different nations assembled for the “The Nation and Emigration” conference. This event, the IV Conference of its kind, marks a continuation of a dialogue that began in 1978, initiated by none other than Fidel Castro himself.

Cuban Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, personally welcomed participants to the conference, reinforcing the unwavering endeavor to reinforce the connection between the nation and its global community.

Addressing Economic Challenges and Solidarity

Rodríguez Parrilla took the opportunity to discuss the pressing economic conditions facing the island nation, highlighting the triple challenges of the stringent US embargo, COVID-19 pandemic aftermath, and broader global economic crises, alongside existing international conflicts.

The hardships, he noted, have been tangible in the lives of Cubans, influencing their standard of living, social services, and overall well-being. Nonetheless, Rodríguez Parrilla extended deep gratitude to Cubans abroad for their support and solidarity, acknowledging their role in assisting Cuba through donations during the height of the coronavirus pandemic, and in response to adverse weather events.

Striving for Improved US-Cuban Relations amid Difficult Policies

An ongoing concern addressed by Rodríguez Parrilla was the hostility from US government administrations towards Cuba, endeavoring to encroach upon Cuba’s right to self-determination and independence. He underscored Cuba’s readiness to build a respectful and civilized relationship but lamented the US’s lack of political will to engage in this dialogue. Reflecting on the progress made in former years, Rodríguez Parrilla expressed hope for a beneficial and achievable bilateral relationship.

Intensifying Engagement with the Cuban Diaspora

The significance of the gatherings in 1994 and 1995 was brought to light again, indicating a strategic improvement and better structured approach to involving expatriated Cubans in the affairs of their home nation. The involvement of Cubans overseas in national life, particularly in economic and commercial endeavors, is seeing a dynamic increase, auguring well for the overall development of Cuba.

Celebrating Cuban Culture and Citizenship

The Foreign Minister highlighted the shared culture among Cubans, regardless of where they reside, and pointed to their collective contribution in intellectual, artistic, scientific, sports, and other aspects of national life.

During the conference, Laura Pujol, deputy director general of the General Directorate of Consular Affairs and Cubans Living Abroad, conveyed the sentiments of expatriates who openly shared their concerns and patriotic feelings, further resonating with the event’s overarching theme of unity and collaboration.

With the conference continuing to bridge the geographical and emotional distances between Cubans at home and abroad, the Cuban government’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and integrated national identity remains clear.

This news article is based on information reported by Sputnik World on November 19, 2023.

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This article features reporting from Sputnik World, contact at [email protected]