Government of Timor-Leste

Havana, Cuba – August 2026 – The Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste announces that the Vice Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, H.E. Adérito Hugo da Costa, representing the Government of Timor-Leste, participated in the 1st International Colloquium “Fidel: Legacy and Future”, held in Havana, Republic of Cuba, from 10 to 13 August 2026.

This international colloquium was organised to commemorate the centennial of Fidel Castro Ruz’s birth, at the initiative of the Fidel Castro Ruz Centre, in collaboration with academic and cultural institutions in Cuba. The event brought together political leaders, diplomats, academics, historians, journalists, researchers, students, artists, social leaders, and representatives of solidarity movements from various countries

The main objective of the colloquium was to reflect on and analyse Fidel Castro Ruz’s contributions in the political, social, international, and humanistic spheres; his influence on national liberation movements and the countries of the Global South; and the relevance of his thought for addressing contemporary challenges, including inequality, climate change, imperialism, peace, sovereignty, and the self-determination of peoples.

The colloquium also served as a forum for dialogue between historical memory, current challenges, and the aspirations of new generations, through a critical and pluralistic debate on the legacy of Fidel Castro Ruz and his contribution to contemporary thought.

During the colloquium, participants discussed several thematic areas, including “Revolutionary and Statesman”; “The Ideology of Fidel Castro Ruz” (an analysis of his speeches, writings, and methods of political and social analysis); “Fidel and the World” (his contribution to Cuba’s foreign policy, the struggle for global peace and disarmament, the Non-Aligned Movement, and South-South relations); “Humanist and Internationalist Legacy” (education, science, culture, health, sports, equality, human dignity, and international solidarity); “Fidel in the 21st Century” (the relevance of his thought to addressing current challenges, including the environmental crisis, political communication, digital social networks, and artificial intelligence); “Cultural Legacy” (Fidel in literature, film, music, the visual arts, and popular memory); “Military Strategist” (military thought, national independence, and international solidarity); “Fidel and Anti-Imperialism” (sovereignty, self-determination, and the struggle against neocolonialism); and “Unity as a Strategy” (integration, solidarity, and international cooperation).

The participation of H.E. Adérito Hugo da Costa in this international event reflects the friendship and solidarity that Timor-Leste and Cuba have built over many years, as well as the shared commitment to continue strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation between both countries.

Relations between Timor-Leste and Cuba have a significant history, particularly in education and health, including support and cooperation in the training of Timorese students in Cuba. This cooperation forms an important bridge of friendship between the peoples of Timor-Leste and Cuba.

The Vice Minister’s participation also provided an opportunity to promote parliamentary diplomacy through the exchange of views and experiences with parliamentary representatives, politicians, and diplomats from other countries, aiming to strengthen international understanding, solidarity, and cooperation.

During his stay in Havana, the Vice Minister of Parliamentary Affairs also took the opportunity to greet Cuba’s political, diplomatic, and parliamentary leadership, reaffirming Timor-Leste’s appreciation for the existing friendship and solidarity between the two nations.

The Vice Minister also met with the delegation from Guinea-Bissau and representatives from other countries, providing an opportunity to strengthen the network of relations and solidarity among nations that share a common bridge through history, culture, and the Portuguese language.

On another occasion, the Vice Minister of Parliamentary Affairs held a courtesy meeting with the Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste to Cuba, H.E. Nívio Leite Magalhães, to express his appreciation for the diplomatic work carried out by the Embassy in representing and promoting Timor-Leste’s interests in Cuba.

The Vice Minister also took the opportunity to meet with Timorese students and scholarship holders living and studying in Cuba.

During this meeting, the Vice Minister encouraged the students to remain dedicated to their studies, maintain discipline, and take full advantage of the training opportunities provided to them abroad, as they will represent an important part of Timor-Leste’s future development.

He also expressed appreciation for the efforts and contributions of the Timorese students, emphasising that the knowledge and skills they acquire should contribute to the country’s development upon their return to Timor-Leste.

As part of the programme of the visit, the Vice Minister of Parliamentary Affairs visited the Fidel Castro Ruz Centre, where documents, artefacts, images, and historical records on the life, struggle, and political activity of Fidel Castro Ruz are preserved.

The visit provided an opportunity to observe firsthand the historical documentation and heritage relating to the life and legacy of the Cuban statesman, as well as to gain a deeper understanding of the historical and political context underpinning the discussions at the international colloquium.

Timor-Leste’s participation in this international colloquium demonstrates the Government of Timor-Leste’s commitment to remaining actively engaged in international dialogue, promoting friendship among peoples, and strengthening cooperation with partner countries.

The Government of Timor-Leste considers that parliamentary diplomacy plays an important role in complementing official diplomatic efforts through dialogue, the exchange of experiences, confidence-building, and the promotion of mutual understanding among countries.

Participation in the 1st International Colloquium “Fidel: Legacy and Future” thus constituted an opportunity for Timor-Leste to affirm its presence in the international arena, promote a national perspective, and continue strengthening relations of friendship and solidarity with the people and Government of Cuba.