(KPL) Vice President of the Laos-Cuba Friendship Association Bandith Pathoumvanh and Cuban Ambassador to Laos Enna Esther Viant Valdes joined representatives of the Ministry of Education and Sports, students, and teachers in laying a basket of flowers at the monument of Cuban national hero José Martí to commemorate his 172nd birth anniversary (Jan 28, 1853–2025).

Recognized as Cuba’s national hero, José Martí played a pivotal role in the country’s struggle for independence from Spain.

The event, held at the Laos-Cuba Friendship School (Dongbang Secondary School) in Xaythany district, Vientiane, also marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Laos and Cuba (Nov 4, 1974-2025). 

The Cuban ambassador took advantage of the occasion to refer to the celebration in Havana, from Jan 28-31, of the 6^th International Conference “For the balance of the world”, which this year has as its central theme “For the dialogue between civilizations and for a culture of peace”.

“We hope that Martí's legacy will be known by the students of this school and that this date will continue to inspire the search for a better world based on the values ​​of peace, justice and friendship,” she emphasised.

Finally, she called for the denunciation against the economic, financial and commercial blockade of the United States and against the unjust inclusion of Cuba in the unilateral list “to be a banner and everlasting symbol in the relations of brotherhood and solidarity between two countries that are geographically distant, but close at heart”.

The commemorative event for the 172nd anniversary of the birth of José Martí was also attended by Vice Governor of Vientiane Province Phouvong Vongkhamxao, and leaders of Xaythany district.

KPL