After being received for the ceremony at the South African presidential residence, Orta extended his gratitude for the traditional support received from South Africa in its fair demands before the United Nations for the lifting of the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States on the island.

Likewise, he ratified Cuba’s willingness to work towards continuing to strengthen the ties of friendship and cooperation between both nations.

For his part, Ramaphosa reiterated South Africa’s support in the fight against the US blockade, and took the opportunity to send a fraternal greeting to his Cuban counterpart, Miguel Díaz-Canel.

The ties between Cuba and South Africa, traditionally described by the two countries as brotherhood, date back to the 1960s, in the context of the anti-apartheid struggles of the South African people.

Officially, bilateral diplomatic relations were signed on May 11, 1994, in a ceremony headed by historical leaders Nelson Mandela and Fidel Castro.

This is considered one of the first acts of foreign policy of the new democratic government of South Africa.

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