Vladimir Putin expressed solidarity this Thursday with Cuba in defense of its sovereignty and independence, while the Russian Foreign Ministry rejected the threats suffered by the island.
“We have always provided and continue to provide assistance and support to our Cuban friends, and we sympathize with their determination to defend their sovereignty and independence with all their strength,” Putin said at the ceremony for the presentation of credentials of some thirty ambassadors, which took place in the Grand Kremlin Palace.
Addressing the new head of the Cuban legation, Enrique Orta González, the Russian president noted that Russia and Cuba are united by “truly solid and friendly” relations.
“The Russian-Cuban alliance has proven its worth and is based on the sincere mutual sympathy of the people of both countries,” he added.
Putin noted that the parties are currently implementing joint projects in “energy, metallurgy, transport infrastructure and medicine” sectors and are expanding cultural and humanitarian exchanges.
Meanwhile, the Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, María Zajárova, stated that Russia closely follows the events in Latin America and the Caribbean, and is “concerned” about the increase in tensions and warlike rhetoric towards its “friend” Cuba.
“We are convinced that the language of blackmail and threats is simply unacceptable, especially in relation to the island,” Zajárova said at a press conference.
