HAVANA, June 19. /TASS/. Moscow will not leave Cuba in the lurch and will do its best to support and aid it, ambassador to Havana Viktor Coronelli said on June 18 at the Cuban Institute for Friendship with Peoples (ICAP) at an event dedicated to the Russia Day.
"Our country is also experiencing a difficult situation in light of sanctions imposed on it by Western countries," the diplomat said. "But we will not abandon our dear Cuba, we will continue to support it. We are looking for every opportunity to support it politically and provide all possible financial assistance."
Coronelli also said that Moscow is preparing to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Fidel Castro, the leader of the Cuban Revolution, together with Cuban friends, as well as to host the Havana International Book Fair in the Cuban capital on August 10-16, where Russia will be the guest of honor. The format of the Russian delegation that will come to participate in these events is currently being worked out, the Russian ambassador said.
In turn, ICAP Deputy Director Noemi Rabasa said that relations between Cuba and Russia "are not only strategic, but above all friendly." According to her, Russia Day, celebrated on June 12, is an important holiday for Cubans as well.
