Cuban leader Fidel Castro’s first visit to Uruguay, 65 years ago today, continues to mark a milestone in relations between the two countries.

This will be evoked today in a meeting convened by the Red en Defensa de la Humanidad Capítulo Uruguay, which will be held in the Anteroom of the Senate of the Republic, in the Legislative Palace.

There, MP and academic Christian Adel Mirza, historian and writer Roberto García, journalist Juan Raúl Ferreira and Cuban Ambassador Zulan Popa will speak about that memorable visit and the legacy of Fidel Castro.

The leader of the triumphant Cuban Revolution arrived in Montevideo on May 3, 1959, on a journey of solidarity with the country and the victims of the worst floods suffered by this South American nation.

During those 44 hours he toured the affected areas and met first-hand the people displaced by the floods.

During his active and busy schedule, he gave a memorable speech on the esplanade of the Montevideo City Hall, and expressed ideas that are still valid today.

Police and press reports speak of between 20,000 and 40,000 attendees, a considerable number for the time.

In Montevideo he was received by the Uruguayan government and met with the press, as well as with representatives of trade unions and university students.

When he left on 5 May, he left a trail of sympathy which, among other things, was evidenced by the 1,200 letters and more than 800 telegrams he received.