Edited by Anna Popper
In 2025, Hungary and Cuba commemorated the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, marking a milestone in a long-standing partnership built on mutual respect, solidarity, and cultural exchange.
Honouring this anniversary, a solemn event was held on 26 November 2025 in the Gobelin Hall of the Hungarian Parliament, organised by the Hungarian–Latin American Friendship Group of the National Assembly in cooperation with the Embassy of the Republic of Cuba in Budapest.
It also served to bid farewell to H.E. Guillermo Vázquez Moreno, Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to Hungary, marking the conclusion of his diplomatic mission.
The reception brought together Representatives of the Hungarian Parliament and Hungarian ministries, agencies, institutions, universities, and organizations, as well as members of the diplomatic corps, and friends of Cuba.
The program began with welcoming addresses by:
- Ms. Mónika Bartos, Member of Parliament, President of the Hungary–Latin America and Caribbean Friendship Group,
who warmly welcomed the guests and underlined the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in maintaining vibrant international partnerships.
She emphasized that the 65th anniversary provided an opportunity to reaffirm shared values, mutual respect, and people-to-people ties between Hungary and Cuba.
- Dr. Imre Pesti, Member of Parliament, President of the Hungary–Cuba Friendship Group,
who greeted the participants on this special anniversary and highlighted the value of continuity, trust, and sincere dialogue in bilateral relations.
He stressed that the friendship between nations is strengthened through cultural exchange, education, and sustained cooperation across generations.
H.E. Guillermo Vázquez Moreno, Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to Hungary addressed the distinguished audience:
“Dear Representatives of the Parliament of Hungary and the Hungarian ministries, agencies, institutions, universities, and organizations, Excellencies, dear colleagues of the diplomatic corps, Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Friends,
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Hungarian National Assembly – especially the Hungary–Latin America and Caribbean Friendship Group – as well as to the officials and staff of this historic Parliament for organizing this significant event celebrating the friendship between our nations.
This year, Cuba is commemorating important anniversaries in the history of its diplomatic relations with several European states, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe. Today, we are especially honoured to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Cuba and Hungary.
The history of our relations dates back to the early 1960s. On 15 September 1960, the first Hungarian delegation arrived in Havana as a sign of international recognition of the emerging revolutionary government. On 18 December in the same year, a Cuban delegation arrived in Budapest, led by Commander Ernesto Che Guevara, to establish diplomatic relations between our two countries.
Since those early moments, bilateral ties have continued to develop and were further consolidated by the official visit of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz to Hungary in May 1972.
Many years have passed since then. I note with satisfaction that, despite changes in our countries and in the world in general, we have managed to promote cooperation in the most diverse fields. The results of our joint work can be seen in various spheres.
Over these 65 years, important visits have taken place between our two countries, along with numerous initiatives aimed at deepening bilateral ties. Constructive dialogue and mutual respect have always prevailed as the foundation for strengthening relations, overcoming challenges, and building bridges of understanding. Many topics from the exchanges over these years could be addressed; time does not allow it. What remains is the deep satisfaction of having contributed to the unbreakable friendship between our two countries.
The Cuban Government has always attached great importance to its relations with Hungary, dedicating itself to strengthening friendly cooperation on issues of mutual interest – consistent with our fundamental principles – promoting shared development and benefiting both peoples.
We are certain that celebrating today more than six decades of relations will serve as a solid foundation for the continued development of relations between our countries in the years ahead.
Allow me to pause for a moment to highlight the work of the Parliamentary Friendship Groups of the Hungarian National Assembly, which have pursued systematic efforts to strengthen relations between Hungary and our region. I would like to express my gratitude to Mónika Bartos, Member of Parliament (MP), to the MPs and presidents of the country groups, to their collaborators and the Department of International Affairs, and, of course, to Dr. Imre Pesti, MP, President of the Hungary–Cuba Friendship Group, who has carried out exemplary work. To all of you, our sincere thanks.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Cuba’s main objective has been the full dignity of the human being, aware that this is built not only on material foundations but, above all, on spiritual values. We place the utmost importance on the family; we honour and care for the elderly; we protect childhood as our greatest hope; and we encourage young people to participate freely and creatively in our society.
Amid the extraordinary challenge posed by the economic, commercial, and financial blockade, Cuba has built social achievements recognized internationally and reaffirms its commitment to advancing a truly humanist and supportive project, preserving its cooperation with all nations, convinced that a better world is possible.
As my mission as Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to Hungary and to Bosnia and Herzegovina nears its conclusion, I thank you all for the support and cooperation received. Over these years, we have devoted ourselves to continuing to nurture the bonds of friendship between our countries as a central objective of our work. Thank you very much.”
Speeches followed from:
- Péter Sutyinszki, Head of Latin America and Caribbean Department from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade,
who conveyed greetings on behalf of the Hungarian foreign policy community and reaffirmed Hungary’s commitment to constructive engagement and respectful dialogue with Cuba.
He highlighted the anniversary year as an opportunity to further deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
- Dr. Zoltán Dubéczi, Secretary General of the Hungarian Rectors’ Conference,
who emphasized the role of higher education, academic mobility, and research cooperation in building lasting bridges between nations.
He underlined that university partnerships can serve as durable pillars of bilateral relations and mutual understanding.
Cultural Performance
The participants enjoyed a cultural performance by Yulaysi Miranda Ferrer, accompanied by Hungarian violinist Gergő Krisztián Tóth – a Cuban–Hungarian musician couple.
Yulaysi, a Havana-born singer raised in a musical family, gained national prominence after winning the Cuban television talent show “Sonando en Cuba” in 2016. She has since earned three Latin Grammy Award nominations in the Best Tropical Album category as a co-author. After marrying Tóth, she relocated to Hungary, where she continues her artistic career. Her performances weave Cuban and wider Latin musical traditions with jazz influences, engaging audiences through powerful vocals and expressive stage presence.
The official program concluded with a reception.
2025 – A Year of Cultural and Solidarity Initiatives
The 65th anniversary was celebrated in 2025 with a variety of cultural and solidarity-focused programs that further strengthened relations between Hungary and Cuba.
The anniversary was marked by a series of diplomatic events, cultural programs, and solidarity initiatives that highlighted the continuity and future-oriented nature of the relationship between the two countries.
Celebrating Cuban Culture Day
Cuban Culture Day (Día de la Cultura Cubana) is observed annually on 20 October. It commemorates the historic event of 1868 when “La Bayamesa” was first sung after the liberation of the city of Bayamo from Spanish colonial rule. The lyrics were written by Perucho Figueredo, a Cuban patriot who participated in the Battle of Bayamo, and the melody was composed by Antonio Rodríguez Ferrer. With the founding of the Republic in 1902, “La Bayamesa” was officially adopted as the National Anthem of Cuba and has since remained an enduring emblem of Cuban national identity and cultural heritage.
The Hungarian House of Music in Budapest hosted the event “¡Viva Cuba!” on 31 August 2025, dedicated to Cuban Culture and marking the 65th anniversary of Hungarian–Cuban relations. The program began with a screening of the cult classic “Memorias del subdesarrollo” 1968 (Memories of Underdevelopment), and was followed by a concert of Elsa Valle & Bakary, who blended Cuban music with Latin jazz, creating a lively, authentic, and invigorating atmosphere.
Cuban Culture at the Latin American Film Week
As part of the Latin American Film Week, the Day of Cuban Culture was celebrated on 7 October 2025, with the screening of the Cuban feature film “Habanastation”. Directed by Ian Padrón, the film is a joint production of the Cuban Ministry of Culture, the Cuban Institute of Radio and Television (ICRT), and the Cuban Institute of Cinematographic Art and Industry (ICAIC). The screening highlighted contemporary Cuban cinema and social themes, further enriching the bilateral cultural dialogue.
Hungarian–Cuban Solidarity Centre Opened in Eger
Another highlight of the anniversary year was the opening of the Hungarian–Cuban Solidarity Centre in Eger, established by the Hungarian–Cuban Solidarity Foundation. The centre aims to showcase Cuban culture and history, foster solidarity with the Cuban people, and support humanitarian initiatives, including the donation of medicines and medical equipment.
Strengthening Ties for the Future
The 65th anniversary celebrations underscore the diplomatic relations and friendship between Hungary and Cuba, rooted in decades of cooperation, cultural exchange, and solidarity. Through diplomatic engagement, artistic collaboration, and people-to-people connections, both countries continue to strengthen a partnership that looks confidently toward the future while honouring a shared history spanning more than six decades.
Editor’s Message:
Your Excellency, Dear Ambassador, as your mission in Budapest concludes, we would like to express our sincere appreciation for your dedication and valuable contribution to strengthening relations between Cuba and Hungary. We wish you continued success and fulfilment in your future endeavours, along with good health and lasting achievements, wherever your path may lead.
A Visual Chronicle of the Cuban Ambassador’s Diplomatic Mission in Hungary
The photo gallery below highlights memorable moments from the tenure of H.E. Guillermo Vázquez Moreno, Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to Hungary. From official engagements to cultural encounters, these images reflect the Ambassador’s dynamic diplomatic service and the evolution of Cuba and Hungary relations in all their dimensions.
Source: Embassy of Cuba in Budapest
Photos from the Embassy of Cuba and Diplomatic Press Agency
