TEHRAN – In a landmark diplomatic rendezvous, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and his Cuban counterpart, Miguel Díaz-Canel, held a joint press conference on Monday.

Díaz-Canel highlighted the profound significance of their meeting, framing it as a continuation of discussions initiated during Raisi’s visit to Havana back in June. 

Díaz-Canel said such meetings and visits which are intended to diversify and expand relations are rooted in a history of respect and solidarity spanning over 40 years.

The Cuban leader highlighted the ties between Tehran and Havana, saying his visit to Tehran aligns with the continuity of friendly relations pursued during Fidel Castro's era, reaffirming Iran as a friendly and brotherly country in West Asia.

The meeting symbolizes a pivotal moment, accentuating the significance of the Cuban president’s visit, the first of its kind in 22 years.

Cuban President condemns U.S. intervention in Iran

President Díaz-Canel also voiced strong condemnation of U.S. interventionist actions in Iran during the joint press conference, declaring support for Iran's legitimate rights in determining its destiny. 

Expressing gratitude for Iran’s backing against the unjust U.S. blockade of Cuba, he appreciated Iran's support in international forums, such as electing Cuba as the head of the Group of 77 and membership in the UN Human Rights Council.

Raisi says Iran, Cuba united in resilience against external pressure 

The Iranian president also praised Tehran-Havana resilience against power-hungry ruling regimes. 

Praising Cuba's commendable resistance against U.S. ambitions, he emphasized the united stand of the two countries against the excesses of certain Western regimes.

Noting that both nations faced U.S. sanctions for their resistance, Raisi debunked the notion that sanctions could force submission, calling it a miscalculation by the ruling regime. He advocated for strengthening cooperation and exchanging capabilities as effective strategies to neutralize sanctions, revealing decisions made during recent talks in both Cuba and Iran to enhance relations across various fields.

Importance of forming global coalition in solidarity with Gaza

During the press conference, Raisi also expressed profound sorrow over the Palestinians’ plight, condemning Israel's attacks in Gaza as “genocidal and crimes against humanity”. 

Also, during the talks with the Cuban president, Raisi underscored the imperative to support Palestinians in the face of Israel’s cruelty.

The president criticized U.S. and Western support for Israel’s actions, questioning their commitment to human rights.

Lamenting international organizations’ inefficiency, Raisi also called for ending the unjust global system. Both presidents advocated for a fair system defending the oppressed and holding oppressors accountable.

The two leaders also agreed on forming a coalition with like-minded nations, standing against injustice, aggression, and tyranny, and backing Palestinians’ rights on various continents. 

They said it is urgent to put an immediate end to the war on Gaza, secure the rights of the Palestinians, and establish a sovereign Palestinian state.

Iran, Cuba sign 7 major cooperation deals

Raisi also highlighted the significant achievements in nanotechnology and biotechnology by both Iran and Cuba. Announcing the signing of cooperation documents, the official proclaimed his aim to enhance collaborations between the nations.

Highlighting the progressive relations since the Islamic Revolution, Raisi showcased joint vaccine production as a testament to strong scientific cooperation. Underlining capacities in agriculture and mining, he called for an immediate activation of the joint commission to counter sanctions. 

Díaz-Canel praised Iran’s progress in medical and technological sectors, proposing innovative trade and advocating for continued healthcare collaboration.

High-ranking officials from both nations signed 7 agreements covering science, health, agriculture, energy, communications, and medicine. 

Raisi and Díaz-Canel also issued a joint statement emphasizing deepening strategic relations.

Upon arriving at Tehran’s Mehrabad Airport, the Cuban president, accompanied by a significant politico-economic delegation, was welcomed by Bahram Einollahi, Iran’s Minister of Health and Medical Education. 

During his visit, Díaz-Canel was set to have meetings with several Iranian authorities and explore an exhibition showcasing recent collaborative accomplishments in the medical and pharmaceutical fields between Iran and Cuba. 

The Cuban president has also met with Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf to discuss the multifaceted collaboration between Iran and Cuba in the years ahead.

This reciprocal visit comes after the Iranian president’s journey to Havana in June, during which both leaders signed six agreements aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in economic, political, and judicial spheres.