Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and President of the Republic, together with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, expressed their condolences for the passing of Reverend Jesse Jackson.

Through his official account on the social network X, the Cuban leader sent heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and the people of the United States for the passing of one who was an active fighter for civil rights and justice in his country and a defender of just causes in other parts of the world.

For his part, Foreign Minister Rodríguez Parrilla highlighted on the same social network the special bond that united the reverend with the Caribbean nation.

«Our people will remember Reverend Jesse Jackson for his respectful and friendly conduct towards #Cuba, for his efforts in building bridges and his lifelong struggle in favour of justice. Our solidarity and condolences to his family and the people of the #USA for his passing.»

Jesse Jackson, who passed away this Tuesday at the age of 84, maintained throughout his life a relationship of respect and closeness with Cuba.

He visited the Island for the first time in June 1984, when he met with the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro Ruz.

On that occasion, Jackson advocated for peace between the United States and Cuba.

Decades later, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the reverend reiterated his recognition of the brigades of the Henry Reeve medical contingent, which provided solidarity aid in dozens of countries.

Considered one of the most influential African-American political figures in the United States, Jackson was a comrade in struggle of Martin Luther King Jr. and founder of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

Throughout his career, he expressed on multiple occasions his rejection of the blockade imposed by Washington against Cuba and defended the Island’s right to sovereignty and self-determination.