Cape Times newspaper publishes an opinion article by Havana’s Ambassador to Pretoria, Enrique Orta, who recalls that South Africa officially established relations with Cuba during Fidel Castro’s visit to this nation, in attendance the swearing of Nelson Mandela as the new President and who was also the leader of the anti-apartheid movement and the head of the African National Congress (ANC).

The diplomat reminded in his statement that Cuba was the first country to receive diplomatic recognition from the ANC Government headed by Mandela.

The text continues, “Our ties date back to the 1960s when the first fighters against apartheid went to Cuba to study, receive medical care, and military training.”

The formal establishment of relations between the two sister nations gave new vitality to bilateral collaboration, Orta added.

Finally, the officer stated that Cuba and South Africa are two countries separated geographically but united by history, struggles, brotherhood, solidarity, and the will to remain the nightmare of those who try to steal our dreams.

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