Meshaal Eshaheed Association and El Moudjahid newspaper held a symposium Wednesday, in Algiers, honoring Cuban President and historic leader Fidel Castro on the 9th anniversary of his death on 25 November 2016.
In the presence of ambassadors, government’s representatives and parliamentarians, the participants in this symposium highlighted Castro’s distinguished and exemplary journey as one of modern history’s greatest heads of state and most fearless champions of just causes, while reaffirming the special friendship and strong ties between Algeria and Cuba.
Cuba’s Ambassador to Algeria, Hector Igarza Cabrera, emphasized that Fidel Castro was a figure “whose ideas, ethics, vision, and principles transcended his time, leaving a profound mark on many African countries (Angola, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau), and especially Algeria, with which Cuba maintains distinctive relations built on solidarity, loyalty, and mutual respect.” In this regard, he underlined that the Cuban leader always viewed the Algerian Revolution as “one of the most heroic achievements of the 20th century,” pointing out that Castro “publicly backed the National Liberation Front in its fight against colonial rule and was the first to officially recognize the Algerian state in 1962,” the independence year.
He also pointed out that Castro saw Algeria as “a model of dignity and a guiding light showing Cuba the way toward emancipation,” adding that after Algerian independence, bilateral ties rapidly expanded across all sectors.
The ambassador said that Cuba and Algeria’s commitment to fighting for peoples’ independence is “everlasting,” underscoring that the best example of this is both countries’ aligned stance on key issues including unwavering support for Sahrawi self-determination and the Palestinian cause, opposition to unilateral coercive measures, and advocacy for a fairer international order.
For his part, Venezuelan Ambassador to Algeria Imad Saab Saab highlighted Castro’s leadership and unwavering commitment to peoples’ independence and the supremacy of freedoms.
He emphasized that Fidel Castro is “deeply beloved” in Venezuela, where he is seen as an icon of freedom and justice, adding that “Castro’s international legacy continues to inspire countless Venezuelans who carry on his path.”
