The Cuban Prime Minister, Manuel Marrero Cruz, is on an official trip to the Republic of Congo accompanied by his wife, whose presence in an official delegation from the Island has been reported for the first time in the press.
According to information published by the Congolese agency FOCUS MEDIAS 242, Marrero and his wife arrived on Monday night at the Maya-Maya International Airport in Brazzaville, the capital of Congo, on a regular flight from Air France.
Upon their arrival, they were greeted by the Congolese Prime Minister, Anatole Collinet Makosso, who welcomed them along with his wife.
In a video shared on Facebook by the Office of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Congo, two young Congolese women can be seen presenting bouquets of flowers, one to Marrero and the other to his wife.
After a brief refreshment in the VIP lounge of the airport facility, the Cuban delegation headed to the Tours Jumelles Hotel, located in Mpila, according to a report from Matin Libre.
During several decades, Cuba and the Congo have maintained close cooperation, particularly in the areas of health, education, and military training. The Cuban contribution to the training of many Congolese doctors and technicians continues to be a cornerstone of this collaboration.
During his stay, the Cuban Prime Minister will participate in several events, including a protocol ceremony on March 18 at the Prime Minister's office.
Also will pay tribute to President Marien Ngouabi at the mausoleum of the same name, in recognition of the historical role of the Congo in African liberation struggles and its ties to Cuba.
He will hold a bilateral meeting with the Congolese government to discuss strengthening economic and educational exchanges.
In addition to attending a meeting with the President of the Senate and an official encounter with the President of the Republic Denis Sassou-Nguesso.
Finally, there will be an official dinner in his honor, hosted by Prime Minister Anatole Collinet Makosso.
The presence of the wives of high-ranking Cuban officials on official tours is a practice that was not common during Fidel Castro's long tenure, as he tended to avoid giving an official role to his partner in state affairs.
However, under the government of Miguel Díaz-Canel, his wife Lis Cuesta has had a recurring presence at international events, despite not holding the official position of First Lady.
Frequently Asked Questions about Manuel Marrero's Official Trip to Congo and the Cuban Political Dynamics
Why is the presence of Manuel Marrero's wife relevant to his official trip to Congo?
The presence of Manuel Marrero's wife on the official trip to Congo is significant because it is the first time her participation in an official delegation from Cuba has been reported in the press. This change in the dynamics of official trips reflects a trend in the government of Miguel Díaz-Canel, who has allowed a greater involvement of the wives of high-ranking officials in international events, which has sparked criticism from the Cuban population, viewing these actions as a strategy to emulate models of presidential leadership.
What is the purpose of Manuel Marrero's trip to Congo?
The purpose of Manuel Marrero's trip to Congo is to strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation that Cuba maintains with the African country. During his stay, Marrero will participate in several protocol events, pay tribute to former president Marien Ngouabi, and hold meetings to discuss economic and educational exchanges, reaffirming a relationship that has lasted for more than 60 years, particularly in areas such as health and education.
What has been the historical relationship between Cuba and the Congo?
The historical relationship between Cuba and Congo has been one of close collaboration, particularly in the areas of health, education, and military training. Cuba has made significant contributions to the training of Congolese doctors and technicians, and both countries have maintained strong cooperation for more than six decades. This alliance has been strengthened by historical ties and political connections, with Congo being a strategic ally in African liberation struggles.
What criticism does the Cuban government face for including spouses in official tours?
The Cuban government is facing criticism for including spouses in official tours as it is perceived as an attempt to imitate models of presidential leadership. In a country where the position of First Lady officially does not exist, this practice has generated dissatisfaction among the population, who see it as a way to legitimize and further consolidate the regime's power in a context of economic and social crisis.
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