In conjunction with the Cuban people, its Government and Revolution, we celebrate the life of Fidel Castro, “because his legacy is permanent and will continue to be a guide for the struggle of the peoples against external interference, colonialism, interventionism and fascism,” the MIU posted on its social networks.

The political grouping, led by Miguel Mejia, maintained that the revolutionary and statesman’s thought still inspires and leads the people’s struggle for independence, sovereignty, self-determination, and peace.

Keeping his legacy alive “… is our mission concerning unity and solidarity…,” Mejia pointed out.

Fidel Castro’s visit to the Dominican Republic, a few months after reestablishing bilateral diplomatic relations on April 16, 1998, reaffirmed the common will of unity and integration.

Fidel, who would have turned 98 years old on Tuesday, traveled to the Dominican Republic under the first administration of former President Leonel Fernandez.

Ties between the neighboring countries were disrupted in 1960 during the dictatorship (1930-1961) of Rafael Leonidas Trujillo.

“What can I tell you? I find myself here, and I can hardly believe it: it was a lifelong dream. Among the first things I learned when I entered school classrooms was that, very close to us, there was a legendary country, full of history, closely linked to the Cuban people….,” Fidel Castro said upon his arrival at Las Americas International Airport on August 20, 1998.

On August 24, then-President Fernandez decorated his guest, Fidel Castro, with the Order of Merit of Duarte, Sanchez, and Mella in the “Gran Cruz Placa de Oro” award, in a ceremony held at the Ambassadors Hall of the National Palace.

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