Cuban PhD of Science and university professor Fidel Antonio Castro Smirnov, who participated in the major event held on July 29-30 under the theme “New World: Africa in Shaping a Shared Future,” made this remark to Prensa Latina.

The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) hosted the meeting, which included representatives from 54 countries on the continent and international partners.

Castro Smirnov noted that his speech at the Scientific and Expert Council of the World People’s Assembly (WPA) provided an opportunity to highlight the vision of Fidel Castro, the historical leader of the Cuban Revolution, regarding the importance of science.

The academician outlined the most significant achievements of the Caribbean nation in the fields of biotechnology, nanotechnology, and vaccine development, the latter even during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The most important thing, he insisted, is the recognition of an island in the Caribbean that has always viewed Africa as a comrade, and whose men and women shed their blood in defense of sovereignty and equal rights on the continent.

Regarding Fidel Castro’s 100th birthday, he stated that the commemoration is not an exercise of nostalgia.

He said that thanks to the importance Fidel Castro placed on science, scientists currently create life amid threats, blockades, and sanctions imposed by the United States government.

Finally, Castro Smirnov affirmed that Cubans and Africans, privileged to belong to the generation of Fidel’s 100th birthday, are responsible for ensuring his legacy does not die at such a crucial moment.

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