Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 20 April (BelTA) – Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko has sent greetings to Miguel Diaz-Canel who was elected Chairman of the State Council and the Council of Ministers of Cuba, BelTA learned from the press service of the Belarusian leader.

“I am convinced that you will manage to preserve and multiply the achievements of the Revolution, will become a strong pillar for the heroic Cuban nation in the protection of its interests, will successfully assert the country’s right to independent development on the international arena,” the message of greetings reads.

The president emphasized that Belarus and Cuba maintain special allied relations. “I am convinced that the strategic bilateral cooperation which is increasingly vibrant has a huge potential. By joint efforts we will achieve even better results in the political, trade, economic and other kinds of interaction,” the head of state remarked.

Using the opportunity, Alexander Lukashenko extended birthday greetings to Miguel Diaz-Canel and wished him strong health, happiness, unflagging energy and productive work.

The head of state has also sent a message of greetings to First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba Raul Castro Ruz. In it he congratulated the Cuban people on the successful ending of the electoral process and the election of a new country’s leader.

“The results of the election have vividly demonstrated people’s unconditional support of the political course relying on the ideals of the Cuban Revolution, eternal ideas of great Fidel [Castro] and outstanding achievements of your many-year work as the chairman of the State Council and the Council of Ministers of Cuba,” the Belarusian leader emphasized. “Under your leadership the country became stronger and made an ambitious statement on the international arena and enhanced its leadership positions in the region.”

The president remarked that by joint efforts the Belarusian-Cuban relations have been advanced to a brand-new strategic level. There are big reserves for the intensification of the trade and economic interaction and development of ties in science and technology. “Belarus is a reliable and predictable partner for Cuba in the Eurasian space and is viewing your country as a springboard in the region of Latin America and the Caribbean basin,” Alexander Lukashenko said.

He also expressed confidence that Raul Castro Ruz will continue this responsible work as the first secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and will be committed to bolstering good and mutually beneficial relations between the two countries.

Alexander Lukashenko, for his part, reaffirmed the resolution to do his best to preserve the positive dynamics of bilateral cooperation and mutual support at the international level.

“I always recall your brother Fidel, a historical leader of the Cuban Revolution, with great warmth. I also value friendly relations with you that we have been building for many years of joint work in the best interests of our states and nations. I hope to meet with you in Cuba that I like so much this year,” the head of state said.