Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez has lauded Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa for supporting Cuba’s efforts to be removed from the United States’ list of State sponsors of terrorism. President Díaz-Canel Bermúdez expressed his gratitude during a meeting with President Mnangagwa’s Special Envoy on the Museum of African Liberation, Ambassador Simbarashe Mumbengegwi, at the Palace of the Revolution in Havana. Ambassador Mumbengegwi delivered a special message from President Mnangagwa and received a donation of historical artefacts from Cuba for Zimbabwe’s Museum of African Liberation.
President Díaz-Canel Bermúdez highlighted the shared struggle of both nations under illegal American sanctions and emphasized Cuba’s appreciation for Zimbabwe’s unwavering support on the international stage. He described Cuba’s removal from the controversial U.S. list, announced this week by outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden, as a victory not only for the Cuban people but also for allies like Zimbabwe. He also reiterated Cuba’s commitment to strengthening ties with Zimbabwe and broadening bilateral collaboration, presenting a gift for President Mnangagwa as a gesture of goodwill.
Ambassador Mumbengegwi acknowledged Cuba’s vital role in Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, describing the nation as small in size but immense in its contributions. He commended President Díaz-Canel Bermúdez for his consistent support and reaffirmed the historical and enduring friendship between the two nations. His delegation, which included senior government and military officials, received an array of artefacts donated by Cuba to the Museum of African Liberation. Among these were military tanks and regalia from the iconic Battle of Cuito Cuanavale, as well as historic documents, books, and films. The artefacts will be transported to Harare for display, with a grand ceremony planned to mark their arrival.
The Museum of African Liberation, spearheaded by the Institute of African Knowledge (INSTAK) with the support of the Zimbabwean Government, serves as a tribute to the continent’s fight against European colonialism and apartheid. Cuba, along with China and Russia, holds a special place in the museum for its extensive contributions to Africa’s liberation struggles. Zimbabwe and Cuba maintain robust relations, rooted in solidarity during the Second Chimurenga and strengthened by Cuba’s post-independence assistance in Zimbabwe’s health and education sectors.
