The Cuban President received, in the Palace of the Revolution, the American actor, director and producer

«The Cuban people appreciate you very much,» said the President of the Republic of Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, on Monday afternoon as he welcomed the American actor, director and producer Kevin Costner, who has arrived for the second time in the largest of the Antilles for a series on underwater archaeology, at the Palace of the Revolution.

The Head of State told the prominent filmmaker that it was a pleasure to meet him, and spoke of «enormous satisfaction» that his friend was in Cuba at this time. «You are very much admired by the Cuban people,» said the dignitary, who included as reasons for this feeling not only Kevin Costner’s artistic career, but also his special projection towards social and environmental issues.

The famous actor said that he has felt very good during these days in Cuba. «It’s been a dream for a long time», he declared, and also stated: «I have studied the Caribbean a lot».

Last Tuesday, the well-known visitor was in Havana at the Castillo de La Real Fuerza Museum. About the experience, he told President Díaz-Canel of his interest in the underwater archaeology pieces on display there, and his admiration for the architecture of the colonial building.

The actor was impressed by Havana’s architecture, as he told his host. In another moment of the pleasant dialogue, the First Secretary invited him to return to the island, so that he could visit other places of value for underwater archaeology, such as Santiago de Cuba.

Along with the American director and producer, the Cuban Alejandro Mirabal, underwater archaeologist and researcher, took part in the exchange. He has an important career dedicated to the rescue and preservation of underwater heritage. About this scholar, who holds a Guinness record as the person who has dived the most historic shipwrecks, with 243 registered sites, the American actor said that they met more than a decade ago in Mozambique, and that, since then, their friendship has grown.

It is known that the first time Kevin Costner was in Cuba was in 2001. The visit was part of the screening of his film 13 Days. Those moments brought him the surprise of a meeting with Commander in Chief Fidel Castro Ruz. Of those hours, the actor would later declare to the press that it was «an experience of a lifetime», and that «in the world we live in, I always welcome news that means we are getting closer and closer to each other».