On Friday, Raúl Castro, the Army General, was seen alongside Miguel Díaz-Canel at an event held at the Solidaridad con Panamá School, an institution dedicated to educating children with physical-motor disabilities. Castro joined his successor to celebrate the school's 35th anniversary, a facility that was personally inaugurated by the dictator Fidel Castro and frequently included in the itinerary for visiting heads of state.
The elderly general presented a diploma to María Esther La O Ochoa, known as Teté, who recently retired after leading the school for over three decades. Slightly trembling, Raúl recited verses to the administrator, praising her dedication and passion for her work. "We have laughed, we have cried, we have been happy. This has been my home," expressed the emotional teacher.
Family members of the 206 children and teenagers enrolled in the school, along with Party and Government authorities, were present at the event. This appearance comes just two weeks after the aging military figure was last seen publicly when he met with China's State Councilor and Minister of Public Security. At that time, Cuba's Presidency highlighted the significance of the visit amidst a period of tightening bilateral relations, as the Island faces severe economic challenges.
Only a fortnight before that, Castro met with Lieutenant General Alexander Viacheslavovich Kurenkov, Russia's Minister of Emergency Situations, another key ally of the Castro regime. His public appearances have become more frequent since rumors circulated in September about a potential decline in his health or even his death.
His presence at several public activities related to Cuba's international relations during a critical period for the country demonstrates that he continues to play a symbolic and strategic role in the regime's diplomacy.
Raúl Castro's Public Appearances and Diplomatic Role
Why was Raúl Castro seen with Miguel Díaz-Canel at the school event?
Raúl Castro attended the event with Miguel Díaz-Canel to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Solidaridad con Panamá School, a special needs institution inaugurated by Fidel Castro.
What significance do Raúl Castro's public appearances hold?
Raúl Castro's public appearances signal his continued symbolic and strategic influence in Cuba's diplomatic affairs, especially amidst speculation about his health.