Suriname. January 13, 2009. The Surinamese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lygia Louise Irene Kraag-Keteldijk, the President of the National Assembly and the Ministers of respectively Education, Public Health and Social Affairs paid homage to the 50th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution, which was celebrated at the Cuban Embassy. Also present were other Surinamese officials, parliamentarians, the chairmen of the Chamber of Commerce, as well as members of the Board of the Friendship Association Suriname-Cuba, the coordinators of respectively the Association of Parents of Surinamese students in Cuba, and the group of former students in Cuba, among other participants. The Surinamese Foreign Affairs minister congratulated, on behalf of President Ronald Venetiaan, the Cuban government and people with the 50th anniversary of the Revolution and expressed confidence that the existing good relations between both governments will continue to increase. Health minister Dr. Celsius Waterberg stated that thanks to the Cuban Revolution many Surinamese have studied in Cuba, and are now working in Suriname. He also expressed his admiration and respect for the Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz, and said that Surinamese people feel gratitude and friendship for Cubans because of the cooperation the Cubans have offered them. The Cuban ambassador, Andrés González Garrido, stated that the Cuban Revolution is an example of development, solidarity and friendship, in spite of the hostile policy of the United States against the island in these 50 years. The event was also attended by Cubans who are working in Suriname, in the field of health, education, agriculture and sport, as well as officials of diplomatic missions accredited in Suriname. (Cubaminrex- Embacuba Surinam) |