Cuban Foreign Affairs Minister participates in a Solidarity Public Meeting in Australia
AUSTRALIA, June 10, 2010.
Cuban Foreign Affairs Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla at the University of Western Australia Social Sciences Lecture Theatre takes part in a Public meeting with the Australia-Cuba Friendship Society – June 7 2010
On his first visit to Western Australia on Monday 7th June 2010 the Cuban Foreign Affairs Minister Bruno Rodriguez-Parrilla addressed almost 100 people at a public meeting organised by the Australia-Cuba Friendship Society, ACFS Perth Branch. He was accompanied by the Cuban ambassador to Australia Abelardo Curbelo-Padron.
The evening was opened with a moving ‘welcome to country’ by Aboriginal leader Kim Collard. Krishna Sen, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences then welcomed the Minister on behalf of the University before handing over to the MC Branch Secretary Elizabeth Hulm who talked about the history of the society in Perth and its current work and campaigns. She took the opportunity on behalf of the Society in Perth to express to the Cuban Minister and the ambassador to Australia the support and solidarity of the Society with the heroic Cuban peoples and a commitment to promote awareness of the Cuban Revolution and to strengthen the friendship between the peoples of Australia and Cuba.
His Excellency Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla greeted the Society and spoke of the strengthening relationship between Cuba and Australia and of the disappointing lack of change in relations with the US under the Obama administration.
Branch President Vinnie Molina presented the Minister with a painting by a local Aboriginal artist, Robin Kickett that depicts the ancient Campsites and waterways of the area. He also spoke about the campaigns undertaken by the society to demand the lifting of the US blockade on Cuba and for the freedom of the Cuban Five. A short documentary of the society at work produced by society member Helmut Dobelstein as a gift to the Minister was previewed.
The Minister then took the opportunity to mingle with members of the society and supporters at the function in an informal way before joining the members for a group photo.( Cubaminrex- Consulcuba Australia)
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