Cuba president’s administration says he arrives in St. Petersburg

The administration of Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said that he had arrived in St. Petersburg as part of his official visit to Russia.

"Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel has arrived in St. Petersburg, his first stop on an official visit to Russia to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Victory over fascism and the 65th anniversary of the restoration of diplomatic relations between Russia and Cuba," the administration said on X.

St. Petersburg Governor Alexander Beglov met the Cuban leader at Pulkovo airport, the city administration said, adding that the two leaders will hold a working meeting on the prospects of economic, cultural and educational cooperation.

"You have accepted the invitation of the Russian president to celebrate with us a sacred holiday - the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory. It is very important for us that your visit starts from our city. The feat of the besieged Leningrad is unequalled in world history. The city survived thanks to the courage of the defenders, representatives of different nationalities. Among them were Cuban patriots, brothers Aldo and Jorge Vivo. They are our heroes," the press service quoted Beglov as saying.

On Saturday, Diaz-Canel said it was "an honor" for him to be present on May 9 on the Red Square.