Cuba–Syria relations explained

Cuba–Syria relations were established on 11 August 1965.[1]

Cuban–Syrian relations
Map:CubaSyria-map.jpg
Party1:Cuba
Party2:Syria
Mission1:Cuban Embassy, Damascus
Mission2:Syrian Embassy, Havana

Both countries are members of the Non-Aligned Movement and have maintained a steady partnership focused on mutual support in international forums and cooperation in various sectors. Over the years, the two nations have aligned closely on issues related to sovereignty, opposition to Western influence, and solidarity on foreign policy matters.[1]

History

Early ties and Cold War era

Formal diplomatic relations between Cuba and Syria were established on 11 August 1965.[1] During the Cold War, the two countries found common ground as they both aligned with the Soviet Union and opposed Western influence, particularly U.S. foreign policies.[2] [3] Cuba, under the leadership of Fidel Castro, and Syria, governed by the Ba'athist regime, shared ideological similarities rooted in socialism and anti-imperialism.[4]

Cuban and Syrian support often manifested in mutual backing at United Nations assemblies and other international bodies. Both nations viewed their alliance as a form of resistance against perceived imperialism, especially given Cuba’s strained relations with the United States and Syria’s conflicts with Israel.[5] Syria also supported Cuba's stance on the U.S. embargo,[6] and Cuba consistently backed Syria in its claims over the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.[7]

Post-Cold War Period

Following the end of the Cold War and the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Cuba and Syria continued their alliance despite shifts in global geopolitics. There were many high-lever visits and meetings to affirm continued support, marking a period of renewed diplomatic ties.[8] Both nations continued to cooperate in the Non-Aligned Movement, emphasizing independence from Western influence. During this period, Cuba provided Syria with expertise in fields such as healthcare[9] and education,[10] while Syria voiced support for Cuba’s position against the U.S. embargo.[11]

Cultural Relations

Cultural relations between Cuba and Syria have been marked by occasional exchanges in the arts, music, and education. With talks on more cultural cooperation.[12]

Diplomatic visits and agreements

Throughout the years, Cuba and Syria have engaged in several high-profile diplomatic visits to reinforce their bilateral ties, underscoring both nations' desire to deepen ties beyond ideological support.[13] [14] [15]

In addition, the two countries have signed agreements to foster cultural exchange, particularly in medical training.[16]

Mutual cooperation

Political cooperation

Cuba and Syria have maintained a steady political alliance, frequently supporting each other in international settings.[17] Both countries are vocal members of the Non-Aligned Movement and advocate for a multipolar world order.[18] Cuba has consistently supported Syria’s position regarding the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, while Syria has condemned the U.S. embargo on Cuba, seeing it as an unjust policy.

Economic cooperation

While economic cooperation between the two countries remains limited due to geographical distance and economic constraints, Cuba has provided technical support to Syria, especially in areas like healthcare and biotechnology. However, trade volumes between the two countries remain low, with cooperation primarily in the form of technical and humanitarian assistance rather than substantial economic exchange.

Relations during the Syrian Civil War

The onset of the Syrian Civil War in 2011 placed Syria in a challenging international position, with various countries either condemning or supporting the Syrian government. Cuba, however, remained a steadfast ally of the Assad government, emphasizing the importance of Syrian sovereignty and condemning foreign intervention.[19]

Cuban media frequently covered the Syrian conflict, highlighting the Syrian government's viewpoint and condemning what it described as Western-backed intervention.[20]

See Also

References

Notes

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Syria and Cuba: 57 Years of Historic Relations . Prensa Latina . 13 August 2022 . 29 October 2024.
  2. Web site: Article from DergiPark . DergiPark . 29 October 2024.
  3. Web site: Declassified CIA Report on Syria . CIA Reading Room . 29 October 2024.
  4. Web site: القيادة القُطرية لحزب البعث: الراحل فيدل كاسترو كان مدافعا ثابتا عن قضية فلسطين ومناهضا للعنصرية والصهيونية والإرهاب . SANA . 29 October 2024.
  5. Web site: Cuba in the Middle East: A Brief Chronology . U.S. Department of State . 29 October 2024.
  6. Web site: Syria Denounces U.S. Meddling in Cuba, Advocates for Lifting Economic Blockade . The Syrian Observer . 21 March 2024 . 29 October 2024.
  7. Web site: Cuba Condemns US Recognition of Occupied Syrian Golan as Israeli Territory . Mehr News Agency . 29 October 2024.
  8. Web site: اجتماع الشرع ونائب وزير الخارجية الكوبي . Saudi Press Agency . 29 October 2024.
  9. Web site: Syria and Cuba Strengthen Cooperation on Health . Radio Habana Cuba . 29 October 2024.
  10. Web site: Syria, Cuba Discuss Enhancing Cooperation in Higher Education, Scientific Research . SANA . 8 February 2018 . 29 October 2024.
  11. Web site: Syria Reaffirms Support for Cuba Against US Blockade . Prensa Latina . 3 October 2023 . 29 October 2024.
  12. Web site: Syrian-Cuban Talks on Enhancing Cultural Cooperation . SANA . 12 April 2023 . 29 October 2024.
  13. Web site: وزيرة الاستثمارات الخارجية في كوبا تبدأ زيارة إلى سوريا . Kuwait News Agency . 29 October 2024.
  14. Web site: مباحثات سورية كوبية لتعزيز التعاون العلمي والثقافي . Syrian Ministry of Higher Education . 29 October 2024.
  15. Web site: لقاء سوري كوبي لتعزيز التعاون الثنائي . Al-Alam News Network . 29 October 2024.
  16. Web site: سوريا وكوبا توقعان اتفاقا في مجال تعزيز التعاون الصحي والطبي . SANA . 29 October 2024.
  17. Web site: Cuba Supports Syria at the UN . Havana Times . 5 December 2011 . 29 October 2024.
  18. Web site: Support for Cuba Expressed in Syria on Anniversary of the CDRs . Prensa Latina . 29 September 2024 . 29 October 2024.
  19. Web site: Fidel Castro and the House of Assad . The New Arab . 29 October 2024.
  20. Web site: Tags - Syria . Prensa Latina . 29 October 2024.