State-run Cuban television broadcasted images of Raúl Castro Ruz meeting with the Russian Federation's Interior Minister, General Vladimir Alexandrovich Kolokoltsev, on Tuesday. This marks another public reappearance for the storied leader of the Cuban regime.
According to the official report, the meeting involved discussions about the "excellent bilateral relations" between Cuba and Russia. Both parties expressed their commitment to strengthening ties, particularly in areas of cooperation. During the meeting, Castro sent "warm greetings" to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The gathering was attended by Victor Koronelli, the Russian ambassador in Havana, along with other members of the visiting delegation. On the Cuban side, Lázaro Alberto Álvarez Casas, a Politburo member and the Minister of the Interior, participated, along with high-ranking officials from the Ministry of the Interior (MININT).
State media released photographs showing Castro and Kolokoltsev shaking hands and conversing in a formal setting. This meeting is part of the Russian official's itinerary, who arrived in Cuba on Monday as part of a visit aimed at enhancing cooperation in security and internal order.
The rendezvous with Kolokoltsev took place shortly after Castro's recent public appearance at the commemoration of 32 Cuban soldiers who died in Venezuela during the operation that led to the capture of Nicolás Maduro.
Journalist Ninoska Pérez pointed out on social media platform X that the regime once again brought Raúl into the public eye during a particularly challenging period for the nation, characterized by widespread power outages, a health crisis, food shortages, and slow recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa in the island's eastern regions.
Pérez also highlighted an unusual aspect: this time, there were no medals or honors bestowed upon the visiting Russian, a common practice by the Cuban regime to bolster political and military alliances with strategic partners, especially amidst international isolation.
This meeting occurs as Cuba grapples with one of its most critical economic and social periods, reinforcing the image of continued alignment with Moscow, even as the Cuban populace endures a sustained decline in living conditions. For many observers, Raúl Castro's presence in such meetings remains an internal signal of the enduring power structure, transcending formal titles.
Key Issues in Cuba-Russia Relations
Why did Raúl Castro meet with the Russian Interior Minister?
Raúl Castro met with the Russian Interior Minister to discuss and reinforce the strong bilateral relations between Cuba and Russia, focusing on enhancing cooperation, especially in security matters.
What is the significance of Raúl Castro's public appearances?
Raúl Castro's public appearances are significant as they serve as an internal message of continuity and stability in the Cuban regime's power structure, even as the country faces severe economic and social challenges.