Doctor Eusebio Leal Spengler, historian of Havana, was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star, granted by the Government of Japan in recognition to his contribution to cultural exchange and understanding between that nation and Cuba.

Leal received the high honor from the Japanese ambassador to Cuba, Masaru Watanabe, who affirmed that the achievements of the renowned Cuban academician are not limited to restoring history, but also to transcending it to the present, reports Granma newspaper.

Watanabe also emphasized Leal´s effort of to visualize the existence of a close relationship between both countries over the years.

Leal thanked the decoration and said it was a beautiful moment, not only recognizing him as the author of a work, but also as a representative of the political will of the Cuban state to restore the historic center and preserve the memory of his countrymen.

Homero Acosta, Secretary of the State Council, thanked the Japanese emperor, government and the Japanese people for recognizing the work of the Havana historian, whom he described as a bridge-builder of friendship.