Cuba held a ceremony in Havana Friday to celebrate the upcoming National Day of Russia, which falls on June 12.

The occasion is special for both nations "because this year marks the five decades of restoration of diplomatic relations between Russia and Cuba, and the 65 anniversary of victory over fascism, said Kenia Serrano, president of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP) that hosts the event.

Without constant support from Moscow, economic and scientific development achieved by the island nation over past 50 years couldn't have been possible, Serrano added.

Cuba and Russia currently closely cooperate on a wide range of issues,and among them are the global economic crisis, climate change and natural disasters, added the official.

Mikhail Kamynin, Russia's ambassador to Cuba, said bilateral relations are excellent with high-level cooperation achieved in various sectors.

Attendees of the event also include ambassadors and diplomats from Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, as well as officials from the Central Committee of Communist Party of Cuba and the Foreign Ministry.