At the headquarters of the Cuban Foreign Ministry, Deputy Foreign Minister Anayansi Rodríguez highlighted Ma’s notable contribution to strengthening relations between Pyongyang and Havana, cemented in August 1960 by the historic leaders, Fidel Castro and Kim Il Sung.

She also thanked the DPRK for its permanent support for Cuba’s efforts to develop its socialism, as well as the support from that Asian nation and its leader, Kim Jong-un, for the fight against the blockade imposed by the United States on Cuba for more than six decades.

The outgoing diplomat, in turn, expressed gratitude to the Government and the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) for acknowledging his work, and considered it an honor to serve in a nation that firmly defends its Revolution and the right to build and develop socialism amid difficulties and big challenges.

He pointed out that the DPRK, led by Kim Jong Un, is working to make new and significant achievements in its peaceful development efforts despite the tensions on the Korean Peninsula caused by hostile politics and machinations aimed at confrontation.

Also present in the ceremony were the head of the PCC Department of International Relations, Juan Carlos Marsán; and the president of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP), Fernando González, among other officials and directors from Cuban organizations and institutions, and members of the diplomatic mission of the DPRK.

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