Timor-Leste takes part in first international colloquium on Fidel Castro’s legacy
DÍLI, 12 August 2026 (TATOLI) – Timor-Leste’s Vice-Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Adérito Hugo, is representing the government at the first International Colloquium on Fidel Castro’s Legacy in Havana, Cuba, from August 10 to 13.
The event, organised by the Fidel Castro Ruz Centre in cooperation with Cuban academic and cultural institutions, is being held to mark the centenary of the birth of former Cuban leader Fidel Castro Ruz.
The four-day colloquium brings together political leaders, diplomats, academics, historians, journalists, researchers, students, artists, social leaders and representatives of solidarity movements from several countries.
According to the Timor-Leste government, the event aims to examine Castro’s political, social, international and humanitarian contributions, as well as his influence on national liberation movements and countries of the Global South.
Discussions cover a range of issues, including Castro’s political thought, Cuba’s foreign policy, South-South relations, his internationalist and humanitarian legacy, education, health, culture, anti-imperialism, sovereignty and the right of peoples to self-determination.
During his visit to Havana, Hugo also held meetings with Cuban political, diplomatic and parliamentary representatives, as well as a delegation from Guinea-Bissau and representatives from other countries.
He paid a courtesy visit to Timor-Leste’s ambassador to Cuba, Nívio Leite Magalhães, where he expressed appreciation for the work of the Timorese diplomatic mission in promoting the country’s interests in Cuba.
Hugo also met Timorese students and scholarship holders living and studying in Cuba, urging them to remain committed to their studies and make the most of educational opportunities abroad.
He said the knowledge and skills acquired by the students should contribute to Timor-Leste’s development when they return home.
As part of his visit, Hugo toured the Fidel Castro Ruz Centre, which houses documents, personal objects, photographs and other materials related to the former Cuban leader’s life and political career.
The government said Timor-Leste’s participation in the colloquium provides an opportunity to strengthen parliamentary diplomacy, promote international dialogue and deepen relations of friendship and cooperation between Timor-Leste and Cuba.
Fidel Castro was born on Aug. 13, 1926, in Birán, Cuba, and died in Havana on Nov. 25, 2016, aged 90.
He served as Cuba’s prime minister from 1959 to 1976 before becoming president of the Council of State and the Council of Ministers, positions he held until 2008.
Castro was also first secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba from 1965 to 2011 and commander-in-chief of Cuba’s Revolutionary Armed Forces for several decades.
TATOLI
