The distinguished guest was accompanied by Secretary of State of the Treasury, Her Excellency Vera Davis, and Angola’s Ambassador in Havana, His Excellency José César Augusto “Kiluanji.”
Also participating on the Cuban side were Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, and the Foreign Ministry’s director for Sub-Saharan Africa, Gisela García Rivera.

(Granma)

Upon choosing this date to bury the remains of our internationalist heroes who fell in different parts of the world, mainly in Africa, from where Maceo’s ancestors and a good part of our blood come, December 7 has become as an occasion to remember all Cubans who gave their lives not only in defense of the homeland, but of humanity as well. In this way, patriotism and internationalism, two of the most beautiful values that man has been able to create, are joined forever in Cuba’s history.

There are historical events that no one can erase. There are revolutionary examples that men and women of future generations, within and beyond our country, will not be able to forget.

Cuban Communists, and millions of revolutionary combatants that make up the ranks of our heroic and combative people, will know how to fulfill the role that history assigns us, not only as the first socialist state in the Western Hemisphere, but also as unwavering defenders in the front line of the noble cause of the world’s humble and exploited.

We have never aspired to be awarded the glorious flags and principles that the revolutionary movement has defended throughout its heroic, beautiful history, but if destiny were to assign us the role, one day, of remaining among the last defenders of socialism in a world in which the Yankee empire managed to embody Hitler’s dreams of dominating the world, we would know how to defend this bulwark to the last drop of our blood.

These men and women, to whom we now give an honorable burial in the warm earth where they were born, died for the most sacred values ​​of our history and our Revolution … May we be capable of following their example!- Source: Speech delivered in the memorial service for internationalists killed during the performance of honorable military and civilian missions, held in El Cacahual, December 7, 1989.

(Granma)

On the morning of May 4, 1978, the daily activities of the 3,000 refugees were interrupted by an unexpected storm of cluster bombs and machine gun fire.

Witnesses relate how South African planes bombed and shot civilians without mercy, preparing the scene for the arrival of 500 troops parachuted in aboard U.S. made Hercules C-130.

The first commandos on the ground blocked all entrances and exits from

The racist aggressors reduced to ashes the school, shelters, the food warehouse, and clinic, where practically all medical staff and hospitalized patients met their deaths.

During the action, Pretoria’s forces used poison gases that attack the nervous system, violating international prohibitions on such weapons.

Upon learning of the aggression, Cuban troops camped in Tchamutete, 15 kilometers to the south, headed toward the attack. On the march they faced heavy fire from enemy aircraft, as well as land mines, and suffered several casualties. But summoning all their courage and tenacity, the Cuban troops were able to reach the camp and force the racists to retreat.

Apartheid South Africa attempted to justify the brutal crime alleging the existence of a guerilla camp in Cassinga, but this assertion was refuted by a United Nations delegation that traveled to the site and interviewed the few survivors. A UNESCO mission had visited the camp just days before the attack, and testified to the civilian nature of the refugee camp.

Cuba’s efforts in Cassinga, another chapter in the history of the country’s heroism and solidarity in Africa, contributed to saving the lives of wounded refugees and many survivors hiding in surrounding woods.

The majority of children who escaped death, and hundreds more youth living in southern Angola, were brought to Cuba, to become students at the first Southwest Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO) school on the Isle of Youth.

(Granma)

Some 600 refugees, the majority women, children, and elders lost their lives at the hands of the apartheid forces.

The efforts of Cuban military forces that continued their advance toward

Cassinga, despite the bombing, forced the attackers to retreat and saved the lives of some 3,000 refugees in the camp.

Cuba’s contribution was not only military, but also humanitarian, with vital assistance provided to the victims, many of whom went on to study on the island.

Although the apartheid forces achieved their military objectives, the massacre was a political defeat, with the United Nations approving Resolution 435, supporting the independence of Namibia.

Africa is a continent with important historical roots in Cuba, key to the development of our national identity.

Cuba’s efforts on the continent after the Revolution are also a tribute to the African slaves who with their sweat, blood and spirit of resistance contributed to our country.

Cuba has always been guided by the principles of solidarity and cooperation in its relations with Africa, as the internationalist legacy of our Comandante en Jefe dictates.

Our historic cooperation continues, with thousands of collaborators supporting socio-economic development in countries across the continent.

(Granma)

During the fraternal meeting, the two leaders emphasized the excellent relations shared by their countries; the historic, collaborative ties that unite the two peoples, governments, and armed forces; as well as their desire to further strengthen the relationship.

The distinguished guest was accompanied by Lieutenant Generals Carlos Filomeno de Sousa Couceiro and Luis Manuel Da Fonseca Sotto-Mayor Pizarro. While also present on the Cuban side were Army Corps Generals Leopoldo Cintra Frías and Álvaro López Miera, minister and first deputy minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces, respectively, as well as Brigadier General Arnaldo Tamayo Méndez.

(Granma)

Minister of Former Combatants and Motherland Veterans, Cándido Pereira van Dunem accompanied Díaz-Canel during his first activity after arriving in Angola on September 25, to attend the inauguration of President Joao Lourenço.

The monument to Neto is situated in Independence Square, where the poet and doctor proclaimed Angola’s independence, on the evening of November 11, 1975.

Following the ceremony, Díaz-Canel made his way to Doctor Antonio Agostinho Neto Memorial Square, to attend the inauguration of José Eduardo dos Santos a Lourenço, an Angolan Armed Forces General, who won the country’s presidential elections on August 23 with over 61% of the vote.

It’s incredible to see how the country has developed, which goes to show that peace is necessary, stated Díaz-Canel on arrival to Luanda.

Before departing on September 28, Cuba’s First Vice President will pay tribute to Cuban internationalist combatant Raúl Díaz Argüelles (killed by a landmine in 1975) and heroes of the battle of Kifangondo, which took place November 10, that same year, one day before Angola proclaimed independence.

DÍAZ-CANEL: CUBA WILL ALWAYS BE AT ANGOLA’S SIDE

Speaking in the capital city of Luanda, Cuba’s First Vice President, Miguel Díaz-Canel stated September 26 that the island will always be at Angola’s side; united by close cultural, fraternal, solidary, political and historic ties.

“We have come here to reaffirm our willingness to continue collaborating on all the programs being undertaken by the People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola,” stated Díaz-Canel on arrival at Doctor Antonio Agostinho Neto Memorial Square, where he attended the inauguration of President Joao Lourenço.

We will never forget that the men and women of this land, who were brought to Cuba as slaves, participated in our independence struggles, he stated.

“We participated alongside the Angolans in liberating Angola, in liberating the peoples of Africa and in abolishing apartheid, which is why we continue the struggle comrades,” noted the Cuban official in a brief exchange with the press.

(With information from PL)

Maria Eugénia, who today heads the Agostinho Neto Foundation, was guided by General Teté Puebla on a tour of the Veterans’ Pantheon of Havana’s Colón Cemetery.

Teté Puebla explained to the guests that this is the final resting place of the veterans of Cuba’s independence wars, those who participated in the clandestine struggle, who fought at Playa Girón and also those Cubans who died fighting in the independence struggles of Angola and other African nations.

“We are indebted to Africa because many men and women brought from there fought against Spanish colonialism in this land,” the General explained.

Maria Eugénia expressed her gratitude for Cuba’s support, noting that thanks to the island’s internationalism, today Africa is free from the nightmare of colonialism.

She added that Africa now needs to be rebuilt, based on the legacy of those who sacrificed themselves and fought for a better world.

The widow and daughter of Agostinho Neto – the latter a deputy to the Angolan National Assembly and director general of the foundation that honors her father – placed roses and gladioli at the tombs.

Maria Eugénia Neto will today be presented with the Mehdi ben Barka Solidarity Order, posthumously awarded by the Organization of Solidarity with the Peoples of Asia, Africa and Latin America (OSPAAAL) to her husband, Agostinho Neto.

(Granma)

During the political act which took place at the El Cacahual monument complex, the member of the Party Central Committee and Head of the Western Army, Division General Onelio Aguilera Bermúdez, recalled the events and actions that defined Maceo as a man whose loyalty knew no limits, a military strategist with a spirit of sacrifice; principles that have accompanied us in these 50 years of struggle and are emulated by new generations who defend the achievements of socialism.

“As big as the risks may be, no matter how the enemy is disguised, whether he resorts to open or subtle attacks in his permanent war against Cuba, we will continue waving our flags and holding high the machete wielded by Maceo,” Aguilera Bermúdez stated.

The commitment that each contribute the best of him or herself, studying hard and continuing to defend the gains of the Revolution, was ratified on behalf of the children’s José Martí Pioneers Organization, by Alena Isis Acosta, a student at the Conrado Benítez School in Mayabeque.

The tribute was attended by members of the Party Political Bureau, the Army Crops General and Hero of the Republic of Cuba, Ramón Espinosa Martín, deputy minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR) and Mercedes López Acea, a vice president of the Council of State and first secretary of the Provincial Committee of the Party in Havana.

Also attending were leaders of the government, of the Association of Combatants of the Cuban Revolution, of the FAR and the Ministry of Interior, representatives of the diplomatic-military corps in Cuba and various student and mass organizations.

During the event, floral wreaths were laid on behalf of the Cuban people to Antonio Maceo and Panchito Gómez Toro and a tribute was also offered to the prominent Communist Blas Roca Calderío and the Liberation Army soldier, Juan Fajardo Vega, known as the last Mambí.

(Granma)

The proclamation of Angola’s independence on November 11, 1975, by the forces of the People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola, led by Agostinho Neto, opened the way not only to the building of a new Angola, but also to external threats, such as that from South Africa’s apartheid regime, which wished to expand across the continent.

In response to a request from Neto, thousands of Cuban soldiers and civilian collaborators crossed the Atlantic, committed to assisting their Angolan brothers and sisters in a struggle that had plunged the country into a serious crisis.

A ceremony presided by the President of the Councils of State and Ministers, Raúl Castro, was held on Wednesday, November 11, in Havana, to mark the 40th anniversary of Angola’s independence and Cuba’s contribution.

We witnessed the birth of a free and independent state, each battle was a lesson that cemented the faith in victory, expressed Army Corps General Álvaro López Miera, a member of the Politburo and first deputy minister of the FAR, during his speech at the event.

He went on to stress the heroic resistance of the Angolan people and the strategic vision of the leader of the Revolution, Fidel Castro.

Cuba is filled with joy at seeing Angola celebrating four decades of independence, López Miera, also chief of the Army General Staff, stated, while noting that the cooperation of the island in the African nation continues today, in areas such as health, sports and civil construction.

Thanks to the “Yes, I can” Cuban literacy method, over a million Angolans have learned to read and write; through Operation Miracle more than 34,000 have been operated on; and 7,500 young Angolans have graduated in Cuba, he added.

Angolan Minister of Former Combatants and Homeland Veterans, General Candido Van-Dunem, attended the ceremony on behalf of Angolan President José Eduardo dos Santos. During his speech, he expressed the gratitude of the Angolan people to Cuba and noted the strong bilateral ties between the two nations.

The date is a matter of pride but also of reflection on the long and glorious struggle up until today, the Angolan General added, noting that both countries continue to be united by the ideals and the blood shed by their people.

An emotive moment was the posthumous presentation by the Cuban President of the title of Hero of the Republic of Cuba and the Máximo Gómez Order, First Degree, to the daughters of Brigadier General Raúl Díaz-Argüelles and Victor Schueg Colás.

These decorations were also awarded to Major General Carlos Fernández Rondín, minister of the Interior, following a proposal from the State Council.

In turn, the head of the Political Directorate of the Interior Ministry, Major General Romárico Sotomayor, received the title of Hero of the Republic of Cuba and the Order of Playa Girón.

(Granma)

Valdés Mesa was received at the airport by Agriculture Minister Pedro Canga and subsequently by the President of Angola’s National Assembly Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos.

He commented to the press, following the meeting, that the Cuban delegation was responding to an invitation sent to President Raúl Castro to participate in the festivities, saying, “We are two peoples who collaborated, struggled for the independence of this country, for its self-determination. We feel the anniversary of a day like this as our own.”

Valdés Mesa conveyed greetings from the president of Cuba’s National Assembly, Esteban Lazo, and from the leadership of the Communist Party, the government and people of Cuba to the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola, its government and people.

He likewise noted the coincidence that on November 15, this year, the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries is being celebrated as well, noting that the relationship has been characterized by “solidarity, collaboration and brotherhood between the two peoples.”

Also participating in the Cuban delegation to Angola are Division General Antonio Enrique Lussón, a Council of Ministers vice president; Brigadier General (R) Rafael Moracén; Deputy Foreign Minister Ana Teresita González; and Gisela García, Cuba’s ambassador in Luanda.

(Granma)