Floral wreaths from Belarus and the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP) accompanied the solemn ceremony to honor the victory of the Red Army over German fascism in the Mausoleum to the Soviet Internationalist Soldier.
At the event, Brigadier General José Antonio Sánchez, head of the MINFAR Directorate of Educational Institutions, highlighted the essential role of the Soviet armed forces in the liberation of the world from fascism and in the defense of that nation against subsequent threats.
He recalled the cooperation of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) in the consolidation of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Cuba (FAR), through the supply of weapons, military equipment, and in the training of cadres, chiefs and officers of high professional level.
Brigadier General Sánchez emphasized that this help was expressed from the first days of the revolutionary triumph, in January 1959, and continues today.
The FAR advocates the strengthening and expansion of bilateral ties and relations of friendship, brotherhood and collaboration, he said.
Navy Captain Valery N. Zubarev, defense attaché of the Russian Federation in Cuba, expressed his country’s gratitude to Cuba for preserving the memory of the feat and sacrifice of Soviet soldiers and officers, and their contribution to peace.
He also reaffirmed the solidarity of the Russian Government, people and Armed Forces with Cuba, and the will to perpetuate these ties.
The ceremony was presided over by MINFAR Deputy Minister and Chief of the General Staff, Army Corps General Roberto Legrá, and ICAP First Vice President Noemí Rabaza.
Also present at the event were other top leaders of the MINFAR and the Ministry of the Interior, as well as representatives of the association of Combatants of the Cuban Revolution and the military diplomatic corps accredited in Havana, among others.
The Defenders of the Fatherland Day has been officially celebrated since 1995 to commemorate the Day of the Victory of the Red Army over fascist troops.
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