Fáilte for Martin as Cuba celebrates La Revolución
It may sound similar to the predicament facing his government back home but this was a proud and cheery welcome to Foreign Affairs Minister Micháel Martin, from his Cuban counterpart on the first day of his historic visit to Havana.
As Cubans celebrate their 50th anniversary of La Revolución, Mr Martin began his trip yesterday morning in the place where it all began — Revolution Square, the site of Fidel Castro’s rallying speech as new president in 1959.
Fifty years later, Foreign Minister Felipe Pérez Roque told Mr Martin: “I am sure we will be able to see the first 100 years of the Cuban Revolution,” as the country evolves with the help of cultural, economic and trade cooperation with countries such as Ireland.
Mr Martin said both countries wanted to develop a “stronger and deeper relationship” — symbolised as he stood to Amhrán Na bhFiann played by the band of the Revolutionary Armed forces, under the mural of Che Guevara.
The famous slogan of the revolutionary hero towered over the shoulder of the minister throughout a short ceremony: “Hasta la Victoria Siempre” — Ever forward to victory!
Mr Martin laid a wreath of flowers at the 142 metre- high marble statue of José Martí — the poet who penned the song most associated with Cuba, Guantanamera, and the independence fighter who, according to Fidel Castro, was the true founder of socialism long before Karl Marx.
During the first meeting between an Irish and a Cuban minister, Mr Roque gave assurances that Cuba would co-operate in addressing human rights issues in exchange for more economic and cultural ties with Ireland.
“We are in favour of the international cooperation in the human rights field on the basis of respect and non politicisation and no discriminatory treatment. On this basis, we have been participating very actively in the [UN] human rights council,” he said.
Following the meeting, Mr Martin said: “We have seen a significant change in terms of the EU and Cuba and the agenda now is to advance that relationship and develop that relationship in a number of ways.
“We believe dialogue and contact is important in terms of the welfare of people in Cuba,” he said.
The Irish Government has already raised human rights issues in Cuba, such as freedom of expression in the context of the UN human rights council.
Telecommunications, biotechnology and software are some trade areas where Ireland and Cuba have agreed to co-operate.
During the meeting Mr Martin also pledged an extra e100,000 in Irish aid on top of e50,000 already granted for hurricane relief work.
Mr Roque said Cuba wanted to “learn from the experience of Ireland ” in developing its economy.
“We have a similar history of the Irish people, we have been fighting very very hard for our independence, our freedom. We have to learn about the Irish experience and I am sure we will take advantage of this opportunity,” he said.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
