In the social media platform X, the president described the aid as a gesture of “genuine solidarity” and expressed his appreciation to the Brazilian leader for sending the humanitarian assistance.
Diaz-Canel added that this gesture of solidarity—received in the province of Santiago de Cuba—will be allocated primarily to children in the eastern provinces.
The official handover of the donation was carried out by Brazil’s ambassador to Havana, Christian Vargas, who presented it to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment Oscar Perez-Oliva, the ministry reported.
On the same digital platform, Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero also thanked the Brazilian government, stating that this gesture of solidarity shows that Cuba “is not alone” in facing its current economic difficulties.
According to *Granma* newspaper, the first shipment containing 16 tons of the donation, is being unloaded and transported despite the tightening of the blockade and restrictions on fuel imports imposed by the United States government.
Press reports stand out that the aid was arranged following a meeting led by President Lula with ministers and senior government officials, aimed at helping to address the shortages currently affecting the Caribbean nation.
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