Washington - Havana City Historian Eusebio Leal, one of Cuba's most recognized intellectuals, is now a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (AAA&S).

Cuba's Ambassador to the United States, Jose Ramon Cabañas, attended the commencement ceremony on Leal's behalf on Saturday at the Cambridge-based Academy.

'It is an honor to represent Dr. Eusebio Leal Spengler at this ceremony for new members,' the diplomat posted on his Twitter account, and said the recognitions is very timely since just over one month remains for the 500th anniversary of the founding of Havana.

The Cuban intellectual is part of a group of 42 international members coming from 23 countries that were chosen by the Academy to join its ranks to highlight their outstanding achievements 'in the academic world, arts, business, the government and public affairs.'

In addition to the Cuban historian, other distinguished figures to have received this recognition are Sri Lankan parasitologist Nadira Karunaweera, Singaporean academic and former diplomat Kishore Mahbubani and British theologian Mona Siddiqui.

'We are pleased to recognize the excellence of our new members, celebrate their compelling achievements and invite them to join the Academy and contribute to its work,' David Oxtoby, president of the Academy founded in 1780 by John Adams noted in a statement.

On Monday, Cuban president Miguel Diaz-Canel acknowledged on Twitter the heritage restoration work  and the oratory of the historian,  and said that Cuba feels honored , when Eusebio Leal is honored.