Miguel Díaz-Canel shared his sorrow on Monday over the death of Raúl Roa Kourí, a seasoned diplomat of the Cuban regime, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 90. The announcement was made through a heartfelt message on his Facebook account.
"With deep sadness we learned of the passing of Raúl Roa Kourí, who brought prestige to his family name, already etched in Cuban history for its remarkable contributions to independence, culture, medicine, and diplomacy, through a remarkable intellectual and diplomatic career," the Cuban leader expressed.
Díaz-Canel offered his condolences to Roa Kourí's widow, Lilita, along with his daughters, grandchildren, friends, and colleagues from the Communist Party of Cuba at the UNEAC (Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba). He noted that they provided "valuable insights into the complex reality of the country."
The message concluded with a laudatory note: "Raúl Roa Kourí acted as a Cuban patriot until his last day."
The Legacy of Raúl Roa Kourí
Born on July 9, 1936, in Havana, Roa Kourí passed away just days short of his 90th birthday. He was the only son of Raúl Roa García, known as the "Chancellor of Dignity," who served as Cuba's Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1959 to 1976.
The timing of Roa Kourí's death was significant, occurring just a week after the 44th anniversary of his father's passing on July 6, 1982.
A Prolific Career in Diplomacy
Cuban ambassador to Belgium and the European Union, Juan Antonio Fernández Palacios, announced the news, recalling Roa Kourí as "a sharp intellectual and diplomat, with a cultured speech and brilliant mind."
Roa Kourí dedicated over thirty years to Cuba's foreign service. His longest-held position was as ambassador to the United Nations in New York, a role he served in for 14 years. He also held diplomatic roles in Prague, Paris, Rome, Mexico City, Brasília, and Santiago de Chile. Additionally, he was ambassador to the Holy See, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Secretary for the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance.
Fluent in five languages—Spanish, English, French, Italian, and Portuguese—Roa Kourí authored several literary works, including "La Batalla en Ginebra" (1989), "En el Torrente"—winner of the Casa de las Américas Prize in 1999—and "Memoria de Mundos Varios" (2012).
Honoring a Storied Contribution to Cuban Diplomacy
In his later years, he presided over the Raúl Roa García Honorary Chair at the Higher Institute of International Relations, a training ground for the regime's diplomats. This institute was elevated to university status in June 2026, just a month before his death.
The board of directors of the chair described his passing as a "significant loss for Cuban diplomacy and for all who had the privilege of knowing his exemplary dedication, integrity, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to preserving and promoting the thought and work of Raúl Roa García."
Understanding the Impact of Raúl Roa Kourí on Cuban Diplomacy
What were Raúl Roa Kourí's most notable diplomatic roles?
Raúl Roa Kourí served as Cuba's ambassador to the United Nations in New York for 14 years and held significant diplomatic roles in cities such as Prague, Paris, Rome, Mexico City, Brasília, and Santiago de Chile. He was also ambassador to the Holy See and served as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.
What languages did Raúl Roa Kourí speak?
Raúl Roa Kourí was fluent in five languages: Spanish, English, French, Italian, and Portuguese.
What literary contributions did Raúl Roa Kourí make?
Raúl Roa Kourí authored several notable works, including "La Batalla en Ginebra" (1989), "En el Torrente," which won the Casa de las Américas Prize in 1999, and "Memoria de Mundos Varios" (2012).