The Russian president thanked Díaz-Canel for responding to his invitation and participating in the celebrations for the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, while also sending warm greetings to Army General Raúl Castro Ruz.

During the meeting, the Russian president told the Cuban head of state that it is symbolic that the celebration of Victory Day coincides with the 65th anniversary of the reestablishment of diplomatic relations between the then Soviet Union and Cuba, which occurred on May 8, 1960.

For his part, the Cuban head of state said he was very happy to be in Russia and reaffirmed the importance of the two dates, "which unite us in our historic relations."

Díaz-Canel emphasized that being present at the commemorations was "very significant," as, in his opinion, current times demand actions to rescue historical memory, given the increase in attempts to diminish the leading and heroic role of the Soviet Union, the Red Army, and the Russian people in relation to the victory over fascism.

In his conversation with Putin, the president of the Caribbean island also stated that the Eurasian giant's society has "the merit of saving humanity" during World War II, adding that currently, "they are trying to deny it and rewrite history."

He also warned about the presence of new manifestations of fascism in the world and expressed the need to strive to tell the true story.

He affirmed that the ties between Havana and Moscow endure despite the challenges they have faced over time. We share challenges, emotions, programs, joint projects, and we have reached this day: we celebrate the 65th anniversary of this relationship.

"History has shown that only unity based on cooperation, solidarity, and friendship will allow us to face current and future challenges," Díaz-Canel concluded.

Following the initial exchange, both leaders and representatives of the two countries held a round of negotiations where they reviewed the development of current bilateral agreements and medium- and long-term plans for political, economic, and trade cooperation.

The Cuban president, along with around twenty heads of state and government, will attend the parade commemorating eight decades of the victory over fascism and the end of World War II on May 9th, traditionally scheduled to take place in Moscow's Red Square.