In a solemn ceremony held at the Foreign Ministry, the diplomat received, from the hands of Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez, the award granted by the Council of State as an acknowledgement for his outstanding efforts to strengthen bonds of cooperation and mutual help.

Sung Chol, who ends his mission in this capital, thanked the Communist Party and the island’s authorities for the gesture, and asserted that his country will continue giving total support to the Caribbean nation in his efforts to safeguard socialism and in its struggle against imperialism.

I thank dear comrade Fidel Castro, he said, who, in his reflections, with clarity and the strength of his revolutionary principles, has expressed his solidarity towards the North Korean people.

While speaking about reasons for the medal conferred, Deputy FM Marcos Rodriguez said that it’s an acknowledgement to the important contribution that Kwon Sung Chol has made, with his fraternal and friendly spirit, to the strengthening of bonds between the two states.

He commented that his ties with the island date back to 1973, when he arrived in Cuba to study at the University of Havana, relations he cultivated during his work in several posts of his country’s Foreign Ministry.

We have witnessed, he stressed, his active participation in important events, like the celebration of the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations, the signing of valuable accords, and greater political coordination within international organizations.

We ratify, to you and your family, the great honor your presence, behavior and attitude has represented for us, pointed out the Deputy FM.