Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez described the visit by Russia's Interior Minister Vladimir Alexandrovich Kolokoltsev as 'of enormous significance' given the current moment. The meeting at the Palace of the Revolution highlighted cooperation between the two nations amid global tensions. Kolokoltsev and his delegation paid tribute to Cuban and Soviet martyrs during the trip.
Cuban President and First Secretary of the Party's Central Committee, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, welcomed Police General Vladimir Alexandrovich Kolokoltsev, Russia's Minister of the Interior, at the Palace of the Revolution. Díaz-Canel said, 'Thank you very much for being in Cuba,' as Kolokoltsev voiced his pleasure at returning to the island, where he has close friends.
The president noted that the visit reflects the sensitivity of the Russian Federation, its Party, Government, and armed forces toward Cuba's situation, including a personal willingness from Kolokoltsev to cooperate. Discussions covered the complex global landscape in Latin America and the Caribbean, especially in Cuba, worsened by an intensified blockade, widespread media smear campaigns, and inclusion on the spurious list of state sponsors of terrorism—all still in effect with added complexity from the January 3 events in Venezuela.
This marks Kolokoltsev's second trip to Cuba, following his November 2023 visit. Cuban participants included Political Bureau member and Army Corps General Lázaro Alberto Álvarez Casas, Interior Minister, and Central Committee member and Brigadier General Jesús Manuel Burón Tabit, Deputy Interior Minister, among others. The Russian delegation featured Ambassador Victor Koronelli and Major General Alexandr A. Nikolaev, Chief of the Minister's Secretariat.
During the visit, Kolokoltsev went to the Colón Necropolis to honor the 32 Cubans who died defending Venezuelan sovereignty on January 3. Brigadier General Oscar Callejas Valcarce, head of the Interior Ministry's Political Directorate, stated: 'In these difficult times, your presence in Cuba symbolizes the indestructible union between sister nations that do not surrender or submit, but honor their history with deeds and sacrifices.' Callejas referenced recent comments by Russian President Vladimir Putin on the enduring friendship and cooperation between the countries. A floral offering was placed on behalf of the Russian Federation at the pantheon of the heroes.
Kolokoltsev also paid respects at the Mausoleum to the Soviet Internationalist Soldier, housing remains of Soviet combatants who fell during an internationalist mission in Cuba, underscoring the historical bonds between the peoples.
