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The Cuban leader Roberto Morales Ojeda, a member of the Political Bureau and Secretary of Organization of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the island (PCC), began an official visit to Venezuela on Thursday, amid a escalation of tensions between Washington and Caracas.
Former Minister of Public Health and one of the names mentioned as a possible successor to Miguel Díaz-Canel, Morales Ojeda published on the social media platform X that he arrived in Venezuela "to bring the solidarity of Cuba to its brave people and its legitimate President Nicolás Maduro," and quoted José Martí: "Give me Venezuela in what way I can serve it."
Agenda in Caracas
During his first day, the Cuban leader paid homage to Simón Bolívar at the National Pantheon and emphasized the ideological affinity between Havana and Caracas: “Like Martí, his continuer, we are Bolivarians and strongly embrace the integrative ideal,” he wrote.
The visit takes place within the close political and strategic relationship between Cuba and Venezuela, where Havana maintains a strong presence in areas such as health, security, and intelligence, and comes at a time when both regimes are reinforcing their narrative of unity against the United States.
Regional context
The trip takes place days after the U.S. President Donald Trump announced that military forces from his country have sunk several vessels coming from Venezuela, allegedly linked to drug trafficking in the Caribbean Sea.
The regime of Nicolás Maduro denied the events and labeled the images released by Washington as “U.S. propaganda,” accusing the Trump administration of fabricating incidents to justify further sanctions and military operations in the region.
And as has been customary, the regime in Havana has issued statements condemning the actions of the Trump administration. Last Sunday, Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez denounced an “illegal assault” by U.S. military forces against a Venezuelan fishing vessel in the waters of the Exclusive Economic Zone of the South American nation.
Frequently asked questions about Roberto Morales Ojeda's visit to Venezuela and the current political context
What is the purpose of Roberto Morales Ojeda's visit to Venezuela?
Roberto Morales Ojeda's visit to Venezuela aims to express Cuba's solidarity with the government of Nicolás Maduro. Morales Ojeda, a member of the Political Bureau and Secretary of Organization of the Communist Party of Cuba, seeks to strengthen the political and strategic ties between the two countries at a time of tension with the United States.
Why is the relationship between Cuba and Venezuela so important for both countries?
The relationship between Cuba and Venezuela is crucial due to their shared political and strategic interests. Both countries support each other in areas such as health, security, and intelligence, and share an anti-imperialist ideology against the United States. This bond allows them to confront international sanctions and pressures while maintaining a narrative of joint resistance.
What tensions currently exist between the United States and the governments of Cuba and Venezuela?
The tensions between the United States and the governments of Cuba and Venezuela focus on accusations of drug trafficking and military movements. The United States has deployed naval forces in the Caribbean, claiming to combat drug trafficking, while Cuba and Venezuela see it as a maneuver of pressure and intimidation. Additionally, the U.S. has increased the reward for the capture of Nicolás Maduro, escalating frictions with both countries.
What role does Roberto Morales Ojeda play in the Cuban government, and what political future is foreseen for him?
Roberto Morales Ojeda is a high-ranking official in the Communist Party of Cuba and is emerging as a possible successor to Miguel Díaz-Canel. His career has been characterized by obedience and functionality within the regime, and he currently holds the position of Secretary of Organization of the PCC's Central Committee. Despite his lack of charisma, Morales Ojeda could inherit power due to the absence of alternatives within the Cuban political system.
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