The Moscow and All Russia Patriarch Kirill on Tuesday described Cuba as the island of freedom, at a meeting with President Miguel Díaz-Canel.

Moscow.- At the Danilov Monastery, the venue of the Russian Orthodox Church, both leaders acknowledged the broad bonds of friendship that unite Havana and Moscow, at times when the West is trying to suffocate both countries.

Kirill highlighted the Cuban people’s strength to preserve their sovereignty and independence, as well as their courage and strength to fight capitalism.

Cuba is an example that the positions of force, whether political or physical, cannot always win. Cuba is a good example that truth can win over force, the religious leader said.

In turn, Díaz-Canel told his special host that Russia and Cuba are currently being subjected to the same formulas of imperial arrogance.

"Now both countries are subjected to sanctions and the same formulas which is the imperialist logic, with unfair measures that seek economic suffocation, discontent, and desperation to cause ruptures between the people and the Government," Díaz-Canel stressed. In that regard, he added that these measures are based on hatred, hegemonism, and arrogance, to which he added that Cuba will continue to support Russia in all scenarios.

The meeting between the Cuban president and the Orthodox leader took place on the last day of Díaz-Canel's third stopover, as part of an official tour that began on November 16 in Algeria and will continue in Tükiye and China. (PL)