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On the Russian side, the meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Russian part of the Intergovernmental Russian-Cuban Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation Dmitry Chernyshenko, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Maxim Oreshkin, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office, Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov, Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov, Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, Minister of Energy Sergei Tsivilev, Head of the Federal Service for the Oversight of Consumer Protection and Welfare Anna Popova, General Director of Zarubezhneft Sergei Kudryashov, and CEO and Chairman of the Management Board of Rosneft Igor Sechin.

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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Comrade Diaz-Canel, friends,

I am delighted to welcome each and every one of you to Moscow.

Last time we met was exactly a year ago, and I want to thank you for making the decision to come to Moscow this year to join us in celebrating the 80^th anniversary of victory over Nazism. In our country, we call this war the Great Patriotic War because the entire nation – without exaggeration – took part in repelling Nazi aggression.

Cuba contributed to the fight against Nazism. I know that you started your visit with St Petersburg, former Leningrad, and I would like to note that volunteers from Cuba fought alongside the Red Army soldiers outside Leningrad, among other places.

It is very symbolic that your current visit coincides with the 65^th anniversary of resuming diplomatic relations on May 8, 1960. Please convey my best wishes and greetings to Comrade Raul Castro.

We are very happy to see you. Welcome!

President of Cuba Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez (retranslated): President Putin,

We are delighted to be in Moscow, we are feeling great and we appreciate your invitation.

Indeed, we mark two significant anniversaries that underscore the depth of our historical ties. The first, and unquestionably the most important, is the anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. The second is the 65^th anniversary of the restoration of diplomatic relations between our nations.

It is especially symbolic for us to be present on these occasions, as our shared efforts today are focused on preserving historical memory, particularly today, when there are increasing attempts to belittle the decisive role and heroic deed of the Soviet Union, the Soviet people, and the Red Army in defeating Nazism. This Victory was not just a triumph for Russia, but a victory for all of humanity. I believe that saving the humankind is great merit.

Attempts are being taken to rewrite history and give up this legacy, with new signs of resurging fascism on a global scale. I believe that it is our common duty to convey real hostory. That is probably the highest form of tribute we can offer. This is what we are doing by participating in today’s commemorative events and standing here with you.

I would also like to pass on to you the warm embrace and greetings from Army General Raul Castro.

Since our diplomatic relations were restored 65 years ago, they have withstood all tests of time. We have shared many emotions and had common challenges, programmes, projects, and thus come to this significant milestone.

History has made it clear: only unity based on mutual cooperation, solidarity, and friendship can enable us to face today’s challenges and those that lie ahead.

We are delighted to be here with you today.

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