Polanco underscored, “We are not unaware of the danger posed by the blackmail of those who feel they can act with impunity by issuing threats to other nations in their quest for world domination, while simultaneously attacking their own people in raids reminiscent of ignominious episodes in human history.”

However, the diplomat warned, “Those who threaten Cuba today must know the price they will have to pay for attempting to subjugate the Cuban nation by force.”

Upon commemorating the Apostle of Cuban Independence’s 173rd birthday, the ambassador emphasized that his anti-imperialist thought is more relevant than ever, as the “giant of the seven leagues” has fallen “with this additional force over our lands in America.”

Polanco noted that the homeland of Liberator Simon Bolivar and all of our America were outraged by the criminal military aggression and the kidnapping by US troops of Venezuelan Constitutional President Nicolas Maduro, and his life partner, Cilia Flores, in flagrant violation of International Law and in absolute contempt for the sovereignty of that country.

The ambassador also paid tribute to the 32 internationalist combatants, heroes, and martyrs of the Cuban Homeland, who offered their lives in defense of dignity, independence, and honor in the face of barbarism and were brutally murdered in a treacherous and unequal attack.

Nguyen Viet Tao, vice president of the Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Association, also spoke at the event, to which Yury Valdes, director of the Finlay Vaccine Institute (IFV), and Venezuelan Ambassador to this nation, Juan Carlos Fernandes, were present.

Viet Tao praised the visionary nature of Jose Marti, defining him as “son of Cuba and father of Latin American independence.”

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