Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel (center) next to Brazilian social leader João Pedro Stedile (right). Photo: Priscila Ramos/MST.
This Sunday, July 6, a meeting took place with Brazilian social leader João Pedro Stedile, of the national coordination of the Landless Rural Workers’ Movement (MST), as part of Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel’s work agenda in Rio de Janeiro.
The meeting strengthened solidarity between Cuba and Brazil on sovereignty issues by consolidating political and social ties between various grassroots movements and the Cuban government, which share principles of self-determination, social justice, and resistance to external interference.
On social media, the MST shared images of the emotional embrace between Díaz-Canel and Stedile, a demonstration of the deep ties of struggle and resistance that have united the two countries for decades, ever since the Cuban Revolution turned the small island into a beacon of hope and internationalist collaboration.
On its Instagram account, the movement shared a message highlighting the history of anti-imperialist collaboration between the two nations: “Cuba has always been a fundamental partner in building the popular project that the MST believes in: a world with greater justice, solidarity, and dignity.”
El abrazo del @MST_Oficial al presidente de Cuba, Díaz-Canel.
El encuentro es parte de las actividades de la embajada cubana en Brasil en el contexto de la Cumbre de Jefes de Estado del BRICS y reunió a diferentes representantes de los movimientos populares en Rio de Janeiro. pic.twitter.com/ghuw5v81BA
— André Vieira (@AndreteleSUR) July 6, 2025
The movement recalled that through the Cuban literacy method, “Yes, I Can,” thousands of Brazilian peasant men and women learned to read and write, recovering a basic human right.
They also recalled that many Brazilian doctors have trained with Cuba’s excellent health personnel and have lived on the island, a commitment to internationalism that led them to return to their home country “to care for the health of our people in the settlements, in the outskirts, in the riverside, and quilombola communities, where before there had only been neglect.”
The meeting not only symbolizes mutual support but also facilitates the coordination of common positions regarding challenges such as the economic blockade against Cuba and the promotion of regional integration.
BRICS uniting latitudes: Díaz-Canel meets with solidarity movements toward Cuba
In the afternoon, the Cuban Presidency reported on social media that the Cuban president, shortly before participating in the BRICS bloc Summit—which Cuba joined in January of this year as an associate country—met with a group of prestigious Brazilian intellectuals and artists who belong to the large family of friends of the Caribbean island in Brazil. This meeting took place in addition to the meeting he had with the MST.
At the meeting, Díaz-Canel stated that it is essential for Cuba to have these encounters with those who stand by it during difficult and complex times. He also highlighted having felt the warmth, love, and solidarity of the Brazilian people.
Díaz-Canel said that Cuba will never surrender to the expansionist interests seeking to seize control of the island. “Solidarity commits us and obliges us to be stronger, not least so that we do not fail you. Cuba’s resilience is fueled by the strength of our people and the solidarity you offer us.”
On behalf of the Cuban people, Díaz-Canel expressed his gratitude to allied countries for their willingness to continue fighting the US blockade and for the removal of Cuba from the fraudulent list of countries that supposedly sponsor terrorism.
Historically, the MST in Brazil has reciprocated Cuban internationalism with important solidarity campaigns and donations to the Caribbean island. It’s worth noting that on July 3, it launched a solidarity campaign to support Cuba in the face of the profound economic crisis affecting its population.
The initiative, organized in 24 Brazilian states, seeks to raise funds to purchase essential medications for Cuban hospitals, severely impacted by the tightening of the US economic blockade. The MST, in coordination with the Cuban Ministry of Public Health, identified priority medications and plans to arrange for their direct purchase from laboratories and air shipment to Havana, ensuring transparency in the process.
The campaign reflects the MST’s historic commitment to solidarity with Cuba, recognizing the island as a symbol of resistance and reciprocity. More than an act of charity, the movement defines it as a gesture of historic justice, emphasizing that even small actions—like each donation—are vital to alleviating the suffering of the most vulnerable.
(Telesur)
Translation: Orinoco Tribune
OT/JRE/SF
