Cuba’s new leader vows to defend legacy of Castro revolution
(VOVWORLD) -Cuba’s new president of the Council of State and Council of Ministers, Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermúdez, began his term on Thursday with a promise to defend the socialist revolution led by the Castro brothers since 1959, giving a speech that also emphasized the need to modernize the island’s economy.
 Cuba’s new president of the Council of State and Council of Ministers, Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermúdez (Source: AFP/VNA) |
He delivered a warm homage to former President Raul Castro, praising the achievements and reforms he ushered in during his decade as president. Earlier, the Cuban National Assembly voted 603-1 to elect Mr. Bermudez as President for the next 5 years.
Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang and Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on Friday sent congratulatory messages to Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez on his election as President of Cuba’s Council of State and Council of Ministers.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Thursday congratulated Mr. Bermudez for his democratic and participatory appointment and election by Cuba’s legislative and executive authorities.
Chinese President Xi Jinping extended his congratulations, saying that China is ready to work with Cuba to continue to promote bilateral cooperation and work for a steady development of bilateral ties.
The President of Bolivia, Mexico, and Panama also sent their best wishes to the Cuban president.