Allow me to greet all those present and thank on behalf of the PCP, for this new invitation to take part in this important initiative extended to us by Comrade Emilio Lozada García, Head of the Department of International Relations of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba.

I wish to convey warm and solidary greetings of the Portuguese communists to the Communist Party of Cuba and the Cuban people at this very difficult time which, as Comrade Emilio has told us here, has not improved since the last video conference in which I had the opportunity to take part.

In addition to the recurring and unacceptable threats of military aggression, there are further new coercive, illegal and criminal measures imposed by the US which further intensify the blockade and undermine the rights and living conditions of the Cuban people.

The consequences of the supply of energy for basic services, food supplies, transport, agricultural and industrial production, and tourism are very significant.

Life is not easy for the Cuban people, and the responsibility lies with US imperialism and all those who have fuelled campaigns against Cuba and its Revolution.

The US’s outrageous accusation against Raúl Castro, a prominent leader of the Cuban Revolution, is part of this fraudulent and illegitimate dynamic, constituting yet another despicable provocation which, however hard it tries, cannot obscure what is plain to see: it is the US Administration, and not the Government of Cuba, that is attacking, threatening and flagrantly violating international law, sovereignty and the rights of the Cuban people.

On our part, the PCP remains committed to solidarity with Cuba, its people and its socialist Revolution, demanding respect for the sovereignty and independence of the Republic of Cuba and for the right of its people to determine their own path in a sovereign manner, free from external interference, pressure and threats.

A number of solidarity initiatives have been organised in Portugal by various organisations showing solidarity with Cuba, and in which Portuguese communists have been actively involved. Among other initiatives, I would like to highlight: the conference “On the Centenary of Fidel Castro – Cuba, the Revolution and the World”, marking the centenary of Fidel Castro’s birth, which is being celebrated this year; and the concert “Everyone for Cuba!”, which benefited from the generous contributions of various artists, both of which took place on April 19, at Voz do Operário in Lisbon.

The campaign “For Cuba! End the Blockade!” continues in Portugal, a solidarity initiative to collect donations, medicines, food, hospital and school supplies, and everything else that US aggression seeks to prevent from reaching the Cuban people.

In April, the second “European aid convoy” arrived in Cuba, with the participation of the Portugal-Cuba Friendship Association.

Through the initiative of our Party, we brought the situation in Cuba up for debate in the Portuguese Parliament, and we also spoke out in the European Parliament. There, we denounced and confronted those complicit with US aggression, we praised the Cuban people’s example of dignity, determination and unity in defence of their homeland, and we reaffirmed our long-standing solidarity.

In June, we will also be holding a new unitary initiative in Lisbon, bringing together various organisations from the peace and solidarity movement to protest outside the US Embassy.

Our solidarity does not wait; we take the initiative to publicise and raise awareness of the courageous example set by Cuba and its people – for what it means, for what it shows, for what it achieves, and for its example and capacity for resistance in such a difficult and demanding situation.

Our solidarity is not merely a symbolic act; it is a revolutionary duty that we have taken upon ourselves. We shall demonstrate this solidarity at the International Meeting of Communist and Workers’ Parties and at the International Colloquium “Fidel, Legacy and Future”, to be held in Havana in August.

Cuba is not alone!

Long live the Communist Party of Cuba!

Long live the Cuban people!

Long live socialist Cuba!