Raúl Roa Kourí, a distinguished diplomat associated with Cuba's regime, has died at the age of 89, just shy of his 90th birthday. The news was confirmed on social media by the Cuban ambassador to Belgium and the institution he led in his final years.
He was the sole offspring of Raúl Roa García, known as the "Chancellor of Dignity," who served as Cuba's foreign minister from 1959 to 1976 and became one of the most prominent intellectuals of the Cuban Revolution.
Juan Antonio Fernández Palacios, Cuba's ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium and the European Union, shared the news on social media, stating: "Devastated by the sad and unexpected news of Raúl Roa Kourí's passing. We will remember him as a keen intellectual and diplomat with an eloquent voice and a brilliant mind. We learned from him at the UN podiums, from New York to Geneva. My deepest condolences."
The Board of the Honorary Chair "Raúl Roa García" at the Higher Institute of International Relations, which Roa Kourí chaired, also confirmed his passing, describing it as a "significant loss for Cuban diplomacy and for all who had the privilege of knowing his exemplary dedication to service, integrity, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to preserving and promoting the thoughts and works of Raúl Roa García."
Born in Havana on July 9, 1936, Roa Kourí committed over three decades to Cuba's foreign service. His longest tenure was as ambassador to the United Nations in New York, a role he held for 14 years.
In addition, he held diplomatic posts in Prague, Paris, Rome, Mexico City, Brasília, and Santiago de Chile, and also served as ambassador to the Holy See, deputy foreign minister, and permanent secretary for the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance affairs.
Fluent in five languages—Spanish, English, French, Italian, and Portuguese—he was a regular contributor to publications such as Bohemia, Casa de las Américas, La Gaceta de Cuba, and Opus Habana, as well as Havana newspapers El Mundo and Revolución.
As an author, his works include "The Battle in Geneva" (1989), "In the Torrent"—winner of the Casa de las Américas Prize in 1999—and "Memory of Various Worlds" (2012).
His passing comes just a week after the 44th anniversary of his father's death on July 6, 1982, sharing not only a name but also a passion for using words as an instrument of Cuban foreign policy.
Understanding the Legacy of Raúl Roa Kourí
Who was Raúl Roa Kourí?
Raúl Roa Kourí was a prominent Cuban diplomat and intellectual, known for his extensive contributions to Cuba's foreign service. He was the son of Raúl Roa García, a significant figure in the Cuban Revolution.
What roles did Raúl Roa Kourí hold during his career?
Roa Kourí served as Cuba's ambassador to the United Nations in New York for 14 years and held various other diplomatic positions in cities like Prague, Paris, Rome, and Mexico City. He was also an ambassador to the Holy See and deputy foreign minister.