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Cuban ruler Miguel Díaz-Canel arrived in Caracas on Friday to participate in the XXIV Summit of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America (ALBA-TCP), set against the backdrop of Cuba's severe economic crisis and the political controversies in Venezuela following the recent elections.
Díaz-Canel was welcomed at Maiquetía airport by Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil. During the event, which commemorates the 20th anniversary of the founding of ALBA by former presidents Hugo Chávez and Fidel Castro, the bicentennial of the Battle of Ayacucho is also celebrated, a significant milestone in Latin American independence, as reported by the official outlet Cubadebate.
Through the social network X, Díaz-Canel expressed, "We have arrived in Caracas, where the remains of the Liberator and Chávez rest. ALBA-TCP celebrates its 20th anniversary, and we are here so that its forces remain invincible through unity, as Martí desired and Fidel and Chávez envisioned for integration."
The Cuban leader, who traveled there, also met with members of the island's controversial medical brigades in Venezuela.
The visit comes at a time when Cuba is facing one of the deepest economic crises in its recent history, marked by widespread shortages, inflation, and mass emigration.
Meanwhile, Venezuela is experiencing a tense political situation following the reelection of Nicolás Maduro, which has been challenged by the opposition and accompanied by accusations of electoral fraud.
The event features the participation of representatives from other ALBA-TCP member countries, such as Bolivia, Nicaragua, and Caribbean nations.
The Cuban government described ALBA as an alliance "unmatched in the world," a statement supported by Maduro. The "family photo" from the summit highlighted the unity of the bloc in the face of external pressures and internal challenges.
The summit is presented as an effort by the region's leaders to project unity and strengthen cooperation in times of economic adversity and political tensions.
However, criticisms from opposing sectors in both countries question the legitimacy of the official narratives. In the case of Cuba, they point out that Díaz-Canel brought to Caracas the same empty rhetoric, filled with slogans, that he used at the recent Communist Party of Cuba plenary.
Frequently Asked Questions about the ALBA Summit and the Political Situation in Cuba and Venezuela
What was the purpose of Díaz-Canel's trip to Venezuela?
Miguel Díaz-Canel traveled to Venezuela to participate in the XXIV Summit of ALBA-TCP, an event commemorating the 20th anniversary of the alliance's founding by Hugo Chávez and Fidel Castro. The summit also celebrated the bicentennial of the Battle of Ayacucho and brought together regional leaders in an effort to project unity and cooperation in challenging times.
How is the political and economic situation in Cuba?
Cuba is facing one of the deepest economic crises in its recent history, marked by widespread shortages, high inflation, and massive emigration. The Cuban regime attempts to project optimism and promises of improvement, but the reality on the island is one of scarcity and daily hardships, leading to internal and external criticism.
What is Cuba's stance on the elections in Venezuela?
The Cuban government, led by Díaz-Canel, has demonstrated clear support for Nicolás Maduro, despite allegations of electoral fraud from the Venezuelan opposition and the international community. Cuba was one of the first countries to recognize Maduro's victory and has maintained its backing of the Venezuelan regime, attributing the instability in the South American country to external factors.
What is ALBA-TCP and what is its significance for Cuba and Venezuela?
ALBA-TCP (Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America - People's Trade Treaty) is a regional organization founded by former presidents Hugo Chávez and Fidel Castro. Its main objective is cooperation and integration among its members, which include countries like Cuba, Venezuela, Bolivia, and Nicaragua. For Cuba and Venezuela, ALBA represents a space for mutual support and resistance against external pressures.
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