The Cuban President was given the key to the city of Lisbon as part of his official visit to Portugal. Author: Revolutionary Research
“Thank you, thank you very much for this noble and generous gesture, which I appreciate on behalf of Cuba,” President Diaz-Canel said after receiving this Friday the Honorary Key of the City of Lisbon, to which figures, institutions or national or foreign organizations, for their prestige, position, action or special relationship with Lisbon.
“We are proud and rise above this symbol, because it opens the door to Lisbon, recognized as one of the great European cultural centers, the starting point and meeting place for the most diverse cultures since the dawn of the world,” the head of state said in front of the official delegation and the diplomatic corps. invited for this occasion.
In the beautiful room from whose balcony the independence of the Portuguese Republic was proclaimed more than a century ago, the President of Cuba assured that it was “the most symbolic way to honor the bonds that unite our respective peoples, from the Latin root, the successive migration in both directions, the exchange of knowledge and history itself with its many consequences, up to today’s difficult days, putting human solidarity to the test.
According to him, the Cuban dignitary emphasized the imprint of this beautiful city on seven hills, which has many resonances in Cuba; its traces in national architecture and numerous folk traditions; the devotion of many Cubans to Our Lady of Fatima and Santo Antonio, which has enriched our religiosity; as well as the permanent or temporary place that Lisbon has been for countless compatriots who have been part of the economic, cultural and academic life of the city without losing their Cuban identity.
Upon receiving this valuable symbol, the synthesis of a thousand-year history, along with gratitude, the Head of State emphasized, I express “the best wishes of happiness to the people of Lisbon and prosperity to the city of Lisbon, the key to which I will give the honor to take my beloved Cuba as a token of love.”
About hospitality, common feelings, history and culture with common roots, identity and cooperation, Mr. Carlos Moedas, President of the Municipal Chamber of Lisbon, spoke shortly before, who reminded the President of the Republic of Cuba with great affection that Portugal was “one of the first countries in the world who recognized the independence of the young Cuban revolution”.
“I am honored to be here with you and welcome you to Lisbon on your first official visit to Portugal,” Moedas said. According to him, the history of Portugal “is inextricably linked with the history of America.”
Relations between our countries, he appreciated, “have a past, consist of a present and will have a future,” and also recalled the common features that distinguish ties between the two peoples and nations in different areas.
In a special way, the President of the Municipal Chamber of Lisbon noted the work done in previous years by Cuban doctors in Lisbon, with a significant contribution to the health system, especially in areas where they were most needed. He also mentioned Portugal’s readiness to count on Cuba’s experience in matters related to science and innovation.
“We want to continue to work with you, with your talent, and you can continue to count on the talent of Portugal,” he stressed. In turn, he referred to the common position of both countries to protect peace. “After the pandemic and now, in the midst of a war, we all need to start over. A new start for peace, cooperation and mutual assistance between peoples,” he stressed.
All these and many other reasons, he assured, “to give him something special today, which we give to very special people, namely, to make him a citizen of Lisbon, with great pleasure, handing him the key to this city.” to have him here is a great honor.”
Source: Juventud Rebelde
