Medina, who served as Cuba’s first deputy foreign minister for 12 years until 2021, had a brief meeting with Felipe VI, who together with Queen Letizia visited Havana in 2019, a year after incumbent Spanish President Pedro Sanchez did so.

Medina, who holds a degree in International Relations, besides his high post as first deputy foreign minister, was Cuba’s ambassador to Germany (2001-2005), deputy director of the Directorate of Staff and Personnel at the Foreign Ministry (2005-2007) and of the Directorate of Europe (1996-1998).

Medina, 61, replaces Gustavo Machin as head of the Cuban diplomatic mission in Spain.

At Wednesday’s ceremony, His Majesty also welcomed the new ambassadors from the United States, Ireland, India and San Marino.

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