The example of the ties between Bolivia and Cuba for integration and unity of Latin America and the Caribbean were highlighted on Thursday in Havana by the South American nation’s ambassador to the island Juan Ramon Quintana on the occasion of the 35 th anniversary of the reestablishment of diplomatic relations.

During an activity held at the Institute of Friendship with the Peoples, (ICAP) the diplomat assured that the ties between Havana and La Paz is an example for other countries in the region in the context where others want to “construct walls, divide nations and create conflicts”.

He highlighted the commitment of the leader of the Revolution, Fidel Castro and Bolivian President Evo Morales whom increased the friendship ties between both nations to a superior stage of understanding and fraternity during the last decade.

According to Quintana, thanks to Cuban cooperation, the Bolivian people have been benefited with different programs like medical assistance, especially Operation Milagro in which over 600 thousand people from the South American country have undergone eye surgery free of charge as well as residents from bordering nations.

The Bolivian diplomat also referred to the impact of the literacy initiative carried out by Cuba in his country, through the “Yo si puedo” (Yes, I can) and “Yo, si puedo seguir (Yes, I can continue) methods benefitting over 2 million people.

Quintana added that more has been done in the last 12 years than in one century and mentioned other missions destined in the assistance of people with special needs in cities, countryside and indigenous communities.

He stressed that they have been able to reconstruct a relationship that was broken in 1964, not by the peoples, but by the US backed military government that broke relations with Havana.

The Bolivian ambassador continued saying that after 19 years diplomatic relations was established on January 11th, 1983, although he recognized that it was not until Evo Morales took office in December of 2005, when the ties were strengthened.

ICAP First Vice President, Elio Gamez expressed that solidarity with the brothers and sisters from Bolivia “is not extraordinary” but the duty of accompanying other peoples in the region and world.

Gamez congratulated Bolivia for his successes under the leadership of the government of Evo Morales and reaffirmed Cuba’s support in the changes underway in the South American country.

He also called for unity in the region at a time when right wing forces are becoming aggressive promoting destabilizing campaigns against progressive governments among them Cuba, Bolivia and recently Venezuela.