9th ASIA-PACIFIC
REGIONAL CONFERENCE OF SOLIDARITY WITH CUBA (APRCSC)
In Kathmandu (25-27 July 2019)
The ninth Asia-Pacific Regional Conference in Solidarity with Cuba, was
held in Kathmandu, Nepal on July 25-27, 2019. This time, the delegates
representing different progressive forces in Asia Pacific region gathered
together in solidarity with Cuba while the world is preparing to celebrate
the 60th anniversary of the heroic Cuban revolution. Therefore, the ideas
the revolution stood for, the societal and world order it fought to achieve
and the progressive, socialist and humanitarian initiatives it later on
engaged both inside Cuba and in international level, were emphasised time
and again throughout the conference. 154 delegates, including the 35 delegates
from India, from 15 countries participated in this conference. It was for the
first time that Nepal hosted the conference. Kunal Bagchi, AIPSO West
Bengal State representative attend the Conference.
The opening ceremony of the conference was chaired by Pashupai Chaulagain, chief
coordinator of the organising committee. Inaugural speech was delivered by Pushpa
Kumar Dahal "Prachanda", Chairman of Nepal Communist party and the former prime
minister of the country. In his speech, Prachanda highlighted the contributions
of Cuba for the cause of progressive ideals and building of socialism. He pointed
out that the international system has not been fully democratised and international
institutions are not immune from power politics. Prachanda emphasised on the need
for all progressive forces around the world to work together to achieve a fair and
democratic world order. “Solidarity, unity and understanding among us is very
important to advance our common agenda for peace, security and development in our
countries and other parts of the world”, he said. Prachanda also articulated the
Nepal?s journey to build a socialist society and the fundamental values upon which
they are taking this project ahead.
Fernando Gonzalez Liort, president of ICAP and one of the Cuban five who was heading
the Cuban delegation delivered a speech in the opening ceremony in which he explained
the war of economic embargo unleashed by the US on Cuba and the unparalleled crisis
this pulled down the country into. He elucidated on how the US government?s offensive
against Cuba is getting stronger and the measures of the blockade against the country
are intensifying, affecting the Cuban people and violating their legitimate right of
development, despite the rejection almost unanimously, year after year, the United
Nations manifested in front of this crime, in which the Trump Administration strives
to prevail the old Monroe doctrine that establishes that Latin America belongs to the
United States and intends to turn the region into its backyard. Fernando, who is also
a member in the Cuban parliament, still expressed his hope on the progressive forces
across the globe to join in resistance of the US onslaught on the sovereignty of the
country. He reiterated that Cuba will continue fighting till the defeat of imperialism
and the final victory will lay with those who work to build a world of equality and
justice. While speaking in the opening session, Iraklis Tsavadaridis – executive secretary
of world peace council, stated that the example of Cuba shows that the changes,
transformations and revolutions are possible if the people united and coordinated are
aiming at the root cause of the misery, exploitation, wars and occupation, against the
system which is bearing the social injustice and the profits of the big capital.
Leaders of each participating delegation addressed the conference in the first session
following the opening ceremony. Nilotpal Basu, Coordinator of the National Committee
of Solidarity with Cuba in India, spoke on behalf of Indian delegation. He pointed out
that the campaigns in solidarity with Cuba is not merely an act of expressing camaraderie
with a country but an opportunity to sensitise our own Indian people the importance of
fighting imperialism. He praised on Cuba?s keenness in sending the educators and doctors
to the counties in distress, not the soldiers, thereby creating a counter narrative.
Two parallel sessions were held on the first day of the conference around the topics of
"Intensification of solidarity with Cuba through regional and national media: working
experiences with social networks" and "The resilience of the Cuban people after 60 year
of revolution: Time to stop the blockade". Delegates from India actively participated in the
discussions in both the sessions and contributed immensely to prepare the working commission
papers which was presented before the conference on the next day. Nepal?s tourism board
introduced the region?s geographical and cultural diversities and peculiarities to the
delegates with a presentation,following the discussion in parallel sessions concluded.
Aleida Guevara, daughter of revolutionary Ernesto Che Guevara and a vibrant carrier of the
legacy of Cuban revolution participated the conference throughout. Homage was paid to Che
Guevara and 60 years of his visit to different countries in Asia was honoured. Aleida spoke
to the delegates about her father?s two time visit to Asian countries and the notes he
prepared about different experiences during the visit along with the political analysis of
each country. Making a presentation with the photos captured during Che?s visits, many of
which Che himself took, Aleida described how enthusiastically he was a true internationalist
lived for the betterment of the whole humanity.
While presenting the working commission reports based on the discussions held in two
parallel sessions on the first day, the representatives from each session emphasised how
important to take the ideas of Cuban revolution and socialist building with much vigour and
strength fighting the right-wing onslaught, be it in the form of economic and political
sanctions or spreading of false propaganda. The commission report on media and social
networking cites insisted that one of the core ideas of Cuban socialist experiment, the
battle of ideas, to be taken forward to encounter the large scale of misinformation spreading
around the world against Cuba. The reports stressed on the need to highlight, with regular and
wide scale campaigns amongst the people, the achievements of Cuban society, specifically in the
sectors of health care, education, social security and building of an alternative to the capitalist
system, therefore the contribution of Cuba in developing a better democracy. The reports which also
contributed in the making of the final declaration of the conference expressed the requirement to
continue working for the widening the strengthening of the movement of solidarity with Cuba by
involving the younger generations in each country, fighting for truth and keeping unity as the most
important value of the actions.
Dr. Rajan Battarai, foreign affairs advisor of prime minister of Nepal described the fundamental
principles on which Nepal is forming its foreign policy. He elaborated on how sovereignty of
independent nations, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence are being the pillars of Nepal?s foreign
policy. He also asserted the need to strengthen the solidarity between the socialist countries and
progressive forces, in international level, to present an alternative world order countering
to imperialism.
The final declaration of the ninth Asia Pacific regional conference in solidarity with Cuba
was adopted on the second day, prior to the concluding session. The conference gave a call
to celebrate the 66th anniversary of the assault to the Moncada barracks by revolutionary
people led by Fidel Castro, as it was the action that ignited the engine of the revolution in
Cuba and also to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Cuban revolution. The declaration
congratulated the Cuban people and the new leaders of the revolution for the national referendum
undergone and approved to update their constitution preserving the socialist ideas. It also
reiterated the support to Cuba in process of updating their economic model aimed at developing
the country by securing the social achievements of the revolution. The conference declared its
complete support for the heroic government and the people of Cuba who have weathered many acts
of aggression from successive US administrations for almost six decades now. Defending socialist
Cuba is important part of keeping alive the hopes and dreams of building a truly human world-
with freedom and resources in the hands of the people. It is also integral part of the struggle
of the people of Asia Pacific region against the US imperialism that threatens peace and stability
in the area by using regional and local conflicts and disputes. The conference thanked Cuba for
their selfless solidarity with many people in the Asia Pacific region and their continuing
assistance in education, health and sport. The conference denounced the hostile and aggressive
policies of the US and demanded the end of unjust, illegal and criminal blockade imposed on
Cuba causing damages to their population and affecting the interests and relations of Cuba
with third world countries. The declaration opposed the implementation of Chapter III of the
Helms Burton Act as it violates the international law and it is aimed to asphyxiate the Cuban
economy. The conference also expressed its commitment to continue supporting the people across
the world suffering the attacks by imperialist forces. It voiced solidarity with the Latin
American and Middle east countries, especially Venezuela and Palestine, that are subjected to
an intensification of the right wing forces in order to stop the advances achieved by the
progressive countries.
The closing ceremony was chaired by Rajendra Prasad Pandey, Chief patron of the organising
committee and the former minister of Nepal. Closing remarks were delivered by Madhav Kumar
Nepal, senior leader of Nepal communist party and the former prime minister of the country.
The delegates, reached at Kathmandu from various countries of Asia Pacific region ended
the conference with receiving a token of love from the organising committee and enjoying
a city tour organised by the same, and more importantly with a stronger political commitment
for the cause of socialism and Cuban revolution.
8th ASIA-PACIFIC REGIONAL CONFERENCE OF SOLIDARITY WITH CUBA (APRCSC)
Metropolitan Manila, Philippines (8-9 April 2017)
Jointly organised by the Philippine Organizing Committee
and the and the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples
(ICAP). A total of 120 delegates from 18 countries such as,
Australia, Bangladesh, Kingdom of Cambodia, Cuba, People's
Republic of China, India, Japan, Democratic People's Republic
of Korea, Republic of Korea, Lao People's Democratic Republic,
Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, New Zealand, Philippines, Democratic
Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Timor Leste, United States
of America, and the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam joined
the first conference.
Being the first Asia-Pacific Regional Conference to be held
since the recent passing away of the historic leader of the
Cuban Revolution, Comandante Fidel Castro Ruz, this Conference
pays tribute to Comandante Fidel.
This two-day event allowed the delegates to update on the
reality of the Caribbean country, whose representatives referred
to efforts to promote socio-economic development in the midst
of blockade policy and to aspects of relations with the United
States, among other topics.
The Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Dr Francisco Nemenzo
thanked all the delegates for their enthusiastic response
to the convening of the meeting. He also acknowledged the
presence of the Cuban delegation chaired by the writer and
journalist, Marta Rojas, ICAP Vice President Alicia Corredera,
Cuban Ambassador to the Philippines, Ibete Fernández and ICAP
Yexenia Calzado official.
In the closing session, ICAP Vice President Alicia Corredera
thanked the organizing committee, led by Dr. Francisco Nemenzo,
the participants and the government of the Philippines for
the support to this event, whose inaugural session was attended
by the Secretary of Health of the host country, Paulyn Jean
B. Rosell-Ubial.
Following is the full text of the Manila Declaration:
Final Declaration of the 8th Asia-Pacific Regional Conference
of Solidarity with Cuba, held in Metropolitan Manila, Philippines,
on April 8 and 9, 2017.
"We, the delegates from Australia, Bangladesh, Kingdom of
Cambodia, Cuba, People's Republic of China, India, Japan,
Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Korea,
Lao People's Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal,
New Zealand, Philippines, Democratic Socialist Republic of
Sri Lanka, Timor Leste, United States of America, and the
Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, gathered here in Metropolitan
Manila, Philippines, on the occasion of the 8th Asia-Pacific
Regional Conference of Solidarity with Cuba, hosted by the
Philippine Organizing Committee and the Instituto Cubano de
Amistad con los Pueblos (ICAP, the Cuban Institute of Friendship
with the Peoples), declare as follows:
Being the first Asia-Pacific Regional Conference to be held
since the recent passing away of the historic leader of the
Cuban Revolution, Comandante Fidel Castro Ruz, this Conference
pays tribute to Comandante Fidel for his steadfast defense
of the ideas of socialism - of independence, social justice
and internationalism - which are continuously being carried
forward by the Cuban Revolution. This Conference challenges
the vain illusions of imperialist and other reactionary forces
that the Cuban Revolution can now be reversed with the physical
loss of Comandante Fidel.
We, the 120 delegates gathered here, representing the huge
and multifaceted movements of solidarity with Cuba in the
Asia-Pacific region, are aware that defending socialist Cuba
is a most important part of keeping alive the hopes and dreams
of building a truly humane world - with freedom and resources
in the hands of the people.
We are well aware that the movement of solidarity with Cuba
is an integral part of our own struggle against US imperialism
that threatens peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region
by using regional and local conflicts and disputes. This situation
demands the united efforts of all nations -- through dialogue
and peaceful means -- to realize peace, stability and progress
in the region.
We express our complete support for, and solidarity with,
the heroic government and people of Cuba who have weathered
many acts of aggression from successive US administrations
for almost six decades now.
We salute the Cuban government and people for their many
achievements throughout 58 years of the revolution. Revolutionary
Cuba is well known and appreciated throughout the world for
selfless solidarity with many peoples in need, and for continued
assistance today --- affording health and education to many
peoples in developing countries, including those in our region.
At the same time:
- We demand the end of the unjust, illegal and criminal blockade
imposed by the USA on Cuba, the largest commercial blockade
in modern history, which imposes grave burdens on the Cuban
people. This Conference notes that, for the very first time,
even the USA and Israel had to abstain from voting against
the annual (2016) U.N. General Assembly resolution condemning
the blockade.
- We demand the return to Cuban sovereignty of the 117-square-kilometer
territory of the Guantanamo Naval Base, located in the eastern
part of Cuba and illegally occupied by the USA.
- We call for an end to "regime change" and other subversive
programs against Cuba. We condemn the use of the mass media
to portray the Cuban revolutionary process with a negative
image. For this reason, we reaffirm our unequivocal commitment
to promote awareness of the Cuban reality and the work of
the Cuban government and people, by all possible means.
- We defend the independence, sovereignty and the right to
self-determination of the Cuban people, as well as of all
other peoples of the world. In this regard, we express our
solidarity with the people of Venezuela suffering attacks
from imperialist forces against their independence and sovereignty.
- We will continue working for the widening and strengthening
of the movement of solidarity with Cuba in each of our countries,
fighting for truth and keeping unity as the most important
weapon of our actions.
This 8th Asia-Pacific Regional Conference of Solidarity with
Cuba salutes the work of Comrade Kenia Serrano Puig as President
of ICAP, which helped to broaden and strengthen the international
movement of solidarity with Cuba during her term of 8 years.
At the same time, this Conference warmly welcomes the election
of the Hero of the Republic of Cuba, Fernando González Llort
(one of the Cuban Five), as the new ICAP President.
We express our congratulations and thanks to the Philippine
Organizing Committee, and to its two component organizations
- the Philippines-Cuba Cultural and Friendship Association
(PhilCuba), and the Philippine-Cuban Friendship Society (PCFS)
- for their successful organization and hosting of this 8th
Asia-Pacific Regional Conference of Solidarity with Cuba.
We express acknowledgement to the government of the Republic
of the Philippines for the facilitation provided to the Philippine
Organizing Committee in hosting this important event.
We also extend our best wishes to the Filipino people's continuing
struggle against imperialism --- and for peace, freedom, justice,
democracy, and socio-economic progress.
--- The Delegates to the 8th Asia-Pacific Regional Conference
of Solidarity with Cuba, Metropolitan Manila, Philippines,
April 9th, 2017
7th ASIA-PACIFIC REGIONAL CONFERENCE OF SOLIDARITY WITH CUBA
(APRCSC)
The Held in Hanoi, Vietnam (Venue: Melia Hanoi Hotel) on
8-9 September 2015 with the participation of 250 delegates
from 18 countries.
Jointly organized by the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations
(VUFO) and the Cuban Institute for Friendship with the Peoples
(ICAP).
The conference was held in the context of Cuba's successes
in external relations, including the resumption of diplomatic
ties with the US and the reopening of embassies in the two
countries over 53 years.
The highlight of the conference was the adoption of the Ha
Noi Declaration, stating that "defending Cuba will keep
alive the hope that a better world is possible".
Mr. Truong Tan Sang, President of the Socialist Republic of
Viwtnam hosted a reception in Ha Noi on 9 September for foreign
delegates to the 7th Asia-Pacific Regional Conference for
Solidarity with Cuba.
During the two-day conference, participants will discuss the
role of friendship-solidarity organisations with Cuba in removing
economic-trade-financial embargos and seek measures to enhance
solidarity movements with the Latin American country.
Delegates to the VII Asia-Pacific Regional Conference of Solidarity
with Cuba from: Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Cuba,
the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, India, Japan, Laos,
Malaysia, Nepal, New Zealand, the Philippines, the Republic
of Korea, South Africa, Sri Lanka, the United States and Vietnam./."
Antonio Guerrero Rodriguez, one of the five Cuban heroes imprisoned
by the USA was present in the conference.
Delegates at the conference
Following is the full text of the Hanoi Declaration:
"VII ASIA-PACIFIC REGIONAL CONFERENCE OF SOLIDARITY WITH
CUBA HANOI DECLARATION"
220 delegates representing 18 countries gathered in Hanoi,
Vietnam, on the occasion of the VII Asia-Pacific Regional
Conference of Solidarity with Cuba on September 8 th -9 th
2015, based on the ideals of sovereignty, independence and
justice that characterized the Cuban Revolution, are aware
that defending Cuba will keep alive the hope of a better world
that is possible. We:
- strongly reject all acts and measures contrary to international
law as the illegal economic, commercial and financial blockade
imposed on Cuba by the government of the United States for
more than five decades. We support the Cuban people and demand
the immediate lifting of the inhuman blockade.
- recognise the historic significance of the announcement
by Cuban President Raul Castro and US President Barack Obama
on the restoration of diplomatic relations between Cuba and
the United States, and the reopening of embassies in the capitals
of the two countries. All of these are the result of resistance
of the Cuban people and their heroic struggle and loyalty
to the spirit and principles of their Revolution, as well
as international solidarity with Cuba of fair-minded individuals,
solidarity organisations, political groups and countries in
Latin America, Asia-Pacific and other regions throughout the
world.
- welcome the decision taken by the President of the United
States of America, Barack Obama to exclude Cuba from the list
of state sponsors of international terrorism where Cuba should
never have been included.
- demand the return to the Cuban people of their territory
of Guantanamo Naval Base, illegally occupied by the US in
flagrant violation of Cuban sovereignty. Located at the eastern
part of Cuba, it is still being used as a prison and torture
center.
- reaffirm our commitment to continue spreading the truth
about Cuban realities, the process of updating the economic
and social model and their socialist Revolution, using all
discussion spaces available, including the media and alternative
sources and to counter the manipulated and negative information
about Cuba. Each disinformation campaign against Cuba should
be matched with a response by the international solidarity
movement and especially by friends of Cuba from the Asia-Pacific
region.
- defend the right of the Cuban people to full independence,
sovereignty, self-determination and non-interference in their
internal affairs.
- will continue working together for the strengthening and
expansion of the solidarity movement with Cuba in each of
our countries and fighting for truth, keeping unity as an
essential value of our work.
- reaffirm our commitment to continue working for a world
of peace, stability, solidarity, cooperation, and prosperity.
All nations are entitled to equal rights. Disputes should
be resolved peacefully on the basis of the United Nations
Charter, conventions and resolutions without coercion.
- welcome the release of the heroic Cuban Five and are delighted
to embrace and discuss with one of them, Antonio Guerrero
Rodriguez, for whose freedom all of us and organizations of
solidarity with Cuba worldwide have fought for many years.
Participants in the VII Asia-Pacific Regional Conference
of Solidarity with Cuba salute the 70th anniversary of the
Proclamation of Vietnam's Independence and the 55th anniversary
of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP).
Especially we congratulate and deeply thank the Government
and Communist Party of Vietnam, the Vietnam Union of Friendship
Organisations and the Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Association
for the warm hospitality and excellent organisation of the
VII Regional Conference. We want to express our firm solidarity
with the people of Vietnam in their struggle in defense of
their national independence and sovereignty and for a peaceful
and stable regional environment to build a more prosperous
and beautiful country.
Delegates to the VII Asia-Pacific Regional Conference of Solidarity
with Cuba from: Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Cuba,
the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, India, Japan, Laos,
Malaysia, Nepal, New Zealand, the Philippines, the Republic
of Korea, South Africa, Sri Lanka, the United States and Vietnam."
ASIA-PACIFIC REGION: PROFILE
The Asia-Pacific region covers an area from Mongolia in the north to New Zealand in the south, and from
Central Asia and the Islamic Republic of Iran in the west to Kiribati in the east. The region is generally
divided into five subregions, namely South Asia, Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia, Central Asia, and the Pacific.
Alternatively, the term sometimes comprises all of Asia and Australasia as well as Pacific island nations.
The term has become popular since the late 1980s in commerce, finance and politics though the
economies within the region are heterogeneous.
The countries within a subregion often share a natural and socio-cultural background, and experience
similar environmental problems. The Asia-Pacific region covers a wide geographical area, with diverse
landscapes, climates, societies, cultures, religions, and economies. More than half of the world's
population lives in this region, of which close to half live on less than a dollar per day. Hence, the region
contains the world's largest number of people living in poverty.
CUBA SOLIDARITY INITIATIVE IN ASIA-PACIFIC REGION
The First World Meeting of Friendship and Solidarity with Cuba was held in Havana, Cuba from 21 to 25
November 1994. Delegates from 109 countries joined the conference reflecting wide support for Cuba.
The conference appealed to broaden the solidarity moves by holding regional conferences across the
globe. The Asia-Pacific Regional Conference of Solidarity with Cuba (APRCSC) has been an outcome of
the 1994 Havana Conference. Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP) took initiative to co-
host such conclaves.
Iinstituto Cubano de Amistad con los Pueblos
The Cuban Institute for Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP)
Address:I St, No. 304, between 15 and 17, Vedado. Havana. Cuba
Website: www.icap.cu
Founded in 1960, the ICAP is an NGO established soon after the early successes of the Cuban
revolution to strengthen the bonds of friendship and solidarity between the peoples of the world. From
the beginning, ICAP helped coordinate the International Brigades which came from around the world
to support Cuba through aid in agriculture, construction and other parts of the economy. Now they
continue to facilitate visits and exchanges between friendship organizations. The Institute organizes
delegations for international groups to visit Cuba. The Casa de la Amistad, or Friendship House, run
by ICAP, organizes social and cultural events and exchanges. ICAP also receives and distributes
humanitarian aid from international solidarity groups.
It was the National Committee for Solidarity with Cuba (NCSC) of India which came forward to host the
first Asia-Pacific Regional Conference of Solidarity with Cuba. Kolkata was selected as the venue. The
successful holding of successive such conferences reflects further strengthening of anti-imperialist
solidarity in the Asia Pacific region.
Each APRCSC discusses primarily two topics, such as, the â?~Economic Blockade Against Cubaâ?T and the
â?~Role of Media in Strengthening Solidarity with Cuban Peopleâ?T.
The world today is witnessing growing resistance to the desperate unilateralist moves of the USA and
strengthening of the trend towards multipolarity in the international arena. The situation has undoubtedly
created a climate for success of the Cuba solidarity movement and to help broaden its appeal and scope.
There is a perceptible link between our national interest and the movement of solidarity with Cuba. The
Cuba solidarity movement is a strong component of mass action against imperialist globalisation.
Thereby it is sure to serve the interest of people in various countries.
Cuba is not alone. The peoples of the world stand by Cuba.
1st ASIA-PACIFIC REGIONAL CONFERENCE OF SOLIDARITY WITH CUBA
Netaji Indoor Stadium, Kolkata, India
22-24 September 1995
Jointly organised by National Committee for Solidarity with Cuba, India and the Cuban Institute of
Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP).
Inaugurated by Mr. Jyoti Basu, Chief Minister, Government of West Bengal
Over 160 delegates from 12 countries joined the first conference. The largest conference delegation, of
70, joined from India and 40 delegates came from Sri Lanka. Delegates included members of parliaments,
representatives of political parties and youth organisations, trade unions and university officials. Also
present were representatives of Cuba solidarity and friendship organizations in the region, including from
Australia, China, Laos, New Zealand, North Korea, and Vietnam.
Sergio Corrieri, President of the Cuban Institute for Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP) pointed to the
importance of this first such gathering in the region at a 10,000-strong opening rally. "You give further
evidence that Cuba is not alone in its long and difficult battle and that there are millions of people
throughout the world ready to support and defend the equity and justice that must guide normal
coexistence among nations, regardless of their wealth, size, or population," he said.
The conference concluded with another rally, with some 6,000 people turning out. "We're asked how far
are we going in our economic reforms," Corrieri told the crowd. "We say as far as necessary, but with
limits. These limits are our revolution, our independence, our people's power, and our country - and for us
people's power and independence are the same thing."
In a final declaration, delegates condemned this attack against Cuba for hitting "at the very basis of the
fundamental right of the Cuban people to decide their destiny." It called for the immediate lifting of the
blockade. An "Asia-Pacific Solidarity Day against the U.S. Blockade of Cuba" was set for Nov. 27, 1995.
[Based on a report by Janet Roth published in the newspaper, The Militant,Vol.59/No.39 , October 23,
1995. Janet Roth joined the Kolkata conference as a delegate on behalf of the Cuba Friendship Society in
Auckland, New Zealand]
2nd ASIA-PACIFIC REGIONAL CONFERENCE OF SOLIDARITY WITH CUBA (APRCSC)
Hanoi , Vietnam
12-14 June 1997
Jointly organised by Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Association and Cuban Institute of Friendship with the
Peoples (ICAP).
3rd ASIA-PACIFIC REGIONAL CONFERENCE OF SOLIDARITY WITH
Chennai, India
20-21 January 2006
Jointly organised by National Committee for Solidarity with Cuba, India and the Cuban Institute of
Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP).
Nearly 200 delegates representing more than 100 organisations from 17 countries of the Asia-Pacific,
gathered in Chennai, the capital of Tamilnadu.
4th ASIA-PACIFIC REGIONAL CONFERENCE OF SOLIDARITY WITH
Sri Lanka Foundation Institute, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Date: 14-15 June 2008
Jointly organised by Sri Lankan National Committee for Solidarity with Cuba and the Cuban Institute of
Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP).
Nearly 400 delegates including those from Sri Lanka participated in the conference. 83 of them were
foreign delegates. They came from 18 nations of Asia-Pacific Region. Besides Cuba, China, Vietnam,
India, Laos, Japan, North Korea, South Korea, Cambodia, Indonesia, Nepal, Myammar, Pakistan,
Bangladesh, Malaysia, Phillipines, New Zealand etc. With 40 delegates, India was the largest contingent
of foreign delegates.
From West Bengal, Mr Shyamal Chakrabarty, MP, Mr. Madan Ghosh, Mr. Rabin Deb (Secretary,
AIPSO, West Bengal State Unit), Mr. Sridip Bhattacharya ,Mr. Abhas Roy Choudhury took part in the
Colombo conference.
The inaugural session of Sri Lankan Foundation Institute and the Public meeting at John Da Silve
Memorial Hall.
The inaugural session of Sri Lankan Foundation Institute and the Public meeting at John Da Silve
Memorial Hall were chaired by heads of foreign delegations which included A Vijaya Raghavan,
Convener of the National Committee for Solidarity with Cuba, India . Notable amongst the dignitaries
was Dr Ismael Clark, president of Academy of Science of Cuba and head of the Cuban delegation. The
chief guest for the opening session was Maithroopala Sirioona, General Secretary of Sri Lankan Freedom
Party and Minister of Agriculture. Dinesh Gunawarden, leader of Mahajana Eksath Peramuna and Sri
Lankan Minister for Urban Development was chairman of the reception committee. He delivered the
welcome speech. Vijaya Raghavan greeted the conference on behalf of the Indian delegation.
5th ASIA-PACIFIC REGIONAL CONFERENCE OF SOLIDARITY WITH
Conference Hall of the International Cooperation and Training Centre, Vientiane, Laos
19-20 March, 2010
Jointly organised by Lao-Cuba Friendship Association (LCFA) and the Cuban Institute for Friendship
with the Peoples (ICAP).
Around two hundred delegates from friendship associations, solidarity groups and multifaceted
movements in Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, DPR Korea, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos,
Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand,
Timor Leste, Vietnam and the World Peace Council attended the meet.
CPI(M) Central Secretariat member A Vijaya Raghavan, MP, who is also convener of National
Committee for Solidarity with Cuba (NCSC), led the Indian contingent. Among the other Indian
delegates, Professor S N Bera (Anjan) and RYF joint secretary Anjan Mukherjee represented the All India
Peace and Solidarity Organisation (AIPSO). Dr M Narasingh, Sreerama Krishnan (DYFI), K Murugan
(AIYF), P Birju (SFI) represented the NCSC. Ganeshan Devarajan joined on behalf of the AIFB. All
delegates took part in the deliberations and shared experiences with others, including a brief but
encouraging discussion with Dr Charlene Yiapaoheu, president of the Lao-Cuba Friendship Association
and Lao minister of justice.
World Peace Council executive secretary Iraklis Tsavdaridis too was present in the two-day conference
and reiterated full support of the WPC for socialist Cuba.
6th ASIA-PACIFIC REGIONAL CONFERENCE OF SOLIDARITY WITH
Auditorium of the Centre for Banking Studies of Central Bank of Sri Lanka (Adjoining the
Conference Hotel Sovereign), Colombo, Sri Lanka
20-21 October 2012
Jointly organized by the National Preparatory Committee of Sri Lanka and the Cuban Institute for
Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP)
The Sixth conference was originally scheduled on 22-25 June 2012 at Phnom Penh, the capital city of the
Kingdom of Cambodia. But it was cancelled at the last moment. The programme was shifted to Colombo.
The inaugural session was chaired by Mr. Dinesh Gunawardena, Minister of Water Supply and Drainage
and President of the National Preparatory Committee of Sri Lanka and President of the Sri Lanka â?" Cuba
Friendship Society. Delegates from 22 countries took part in the Colombo conference.
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