The Homeland is all of us and with you, it grows, expressed today by Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and President of the Republic, at the closing of the IV Conference The Nation and Emigration, which gathered in Havana 367 guests from 57 countries.

The Cuban President said that the Conference made it possible to make a comprehensive assessment of what has been achieved in the field of ties with nationals abroad and to identify the areas in which work remains to be done together, but it constitutes a new starting point towards higher goals.

He pointed out that he was sure that all those present at the plenary session of the Havana Convention Palace shared the appreciation that the relations between Cuba and its nationals abroad are going through one of the best moments today, that the tree planted 45 years ago is strong and vigorous and protective as a jungle.

Díaz-Canel assured that the world today has changed, and deepened its transformation process, and the presence of Cubans living outside the country is much more numerous and varied.

Almost all of them preserve their love for the family and the homeland where they were born, they show solidarity towards their compatriots, thanks to the protagonists of that first rapprochement in 1978, and those who came later in more frequent, open exchanges that are increasingly taking place more naturally, he said.

The Cuban President referred to the effects of the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the U.S. government and the consequences of Cuba’s inclusion in the list of State sponsors of terrorism, however, Cubans worked, and the country transformed itself and resisted.

He acknowledged those present who fought tirelessly for justice to be done because every act of rapprochement and solidarity with the Homeland will be the most heartfelt tribute to the martyrs and other compatriots who gave themselves completely to Marti’s mission of achieving unity in pursuit of the defense of the Homeland and its sovereignty.

He spoke of the effort and the invincible creativity of Cubans, and the work of six decades, of the solidarity that the Island gives and receives from all corners of the planet from people of goodwill who accompany it in the fight against the blockade, to the satisfaction and joy first and foremost of the Cubans who have the Homeland geographically far away but sentimentally in the center of their hearts, he added.

Interrupted at several moments by the applause and phrases of support from the participants, the President said: «On behalf of our people I reiterate that the commitment to strengthen ties with Cubans living in any latitude of the world is invariable and irreversible, we invite you to join with renewed energy to this new stage in defense of Cuba, all those who want to build and contribute to this collective work that is the Cuban Revolution will always be welcome».

Four panels were held this weekend on topics of common interest, and the guests received a detailed explanation of the reality of the country, economic transformations, social communication and technology, socio-economic development and investments, culture, and national identity.