Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel stated that the relationship between Cuba and Venezuela “cannot be classified as a relationship of dependency,” and defended the ties with chavismo as a “solidarity” and “integration” alliance, while the Island is experiencing one of its worst economic crises and facing new pressures from the United States following recent measures imposed by President Donald Trump.
During a appearance with representatives of national and allegedly foreign media, including Cuban correspondents linked to agencies from allied countries such as Xinhua and RT, as well as Prensa Latina, Díaz-Canel devoted considerable time to justifying the relationship with the so-called Bolivarian Revolution, initiated by Hugo Chávez more than two decades ago.
"Many try to view it as a relationship of dependency between two countries, and by doing so, they restrict it, reducing it to an exchange of goods and services. And that is not the reality," he stated.
The leader emphasized that the comprehensive cooperation agreement between Havana and Caracas covers strategic sectors such as energy, food sovereignty, education, telecommunications, mining, industry, and cultural and political exchange.
According to Díaz-Canel, this alliance transcended the bilateral relationship and gave rise to regional mechanisms such as ALBA-TCP and PetroCaribe, initiatives that he described as projects with a “social focus” and “social justice,” referring to the distribution of energy resources and cooperation among allied governments.
In his speech, the leader called upon a historical narrative that links the Chavista project with symbols of Latin American independence, asserting that this integration was "the one dreamed by Martí" and "the one dreamed by Bolívar," while also attributing its impetus to Hugo Chávez and Fidel Castro.
Díaz-Canel also asserted that "there is no regional integration bloc" that has achieved in such a short time "the social successes" that, according to him, ALBA-TCP has accomplished, a statement that contrasts with the current deterioration of living conditions in Cuba, where millions of people are facing prolonged blackouts, shortages of food and medicine, inflation, and an unprecedented migratory exodus.
Although the Cuban regime insists on presenting its relationship with Venezuela as a strategic alliance based on solidarity, analysts and critical sectors have pointed out for years that the model of cooperation has been crucial in sustaining the political system in Cuba, particularly through the supply of oil and economic agreements that have partially alleviated the energy crisis.
The statements come at a particularly tense time for the Cuban government, which is trying to strengthen its international narrative while facing new sanctions, restrictions, and measures from Washington, as well as increasing political isolation and a loss of domestic support amid an ever-more unsustainable economic situation.
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