August 29 marks the 56th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the DPRK and Cuba.

The establishment of the diplomatic ties became a landmark event in bolstering up bilateral cooperative relations and promoting the nexus of friendship.

The Parties and governments of the two countries have shared common views over major international issues and kept in step with each other in the international arena.

The two peoples have supported each other in the efforts to enhance unity and cohesion between socialist countries, expand the Non-Aligned Movement and safeguard global peace against the imperialists’ moves towards aggression and war.

The bilateral ties forged by President Kim Il Sung and Fidel Castro was further developed under the close concern of Chairman Kim Jong Il and Raul Castro.

On June 30, when he met with the special envoy of the first secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and his entourage in Pyongyang, supreme leader Kim Jong Un expressed belief that the traditional ties of friendship and cooperation between the two Parties and countries would be further strengthened.

Last year Cuba sent a Party and government delegation to join the DPRK’s celebrations of the 70th anniversary of the Workers’ Party of Korea.

Despite the huge economic loss caused by the decades-long embargo by the US, Cuba has enforced welfare policies and enlisted the people in the campaign to put the country on track.

The Korean people regard the Cubans as their old comrades-in-arms and close friends and always extend full support and solidarity to Cuba’s cause of socialism.

They have long maintained the traditional ties and deepened cooperation with each other.

This year, they signed protocols on the economic, scientific and technological cooperation and exchange of commodities for 2016 as part of the efforts to promote bilateral exchange and cooperation in different fields.

Both countries will continue to strengthen mutual support and cooperation in a bid to realize their common ideal of socialism, upholding the banner of independence against imperialism.

By Choe Yong Nam PT