Castro and Medvedev meet in good cheer
Raúl Castro and Russian Prime Minister Dmitri Medvedev (in photo on top with Castro) met today (May 6) at the Government Reception House in Moscow to discuss matters involving energy, transport and health, the Russian press reported. The meeting was friendly and jovial.
“Thank you for coming to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Victory [over Nazi Germany],” Medvedev told the Cuban president during a photo opportunity before the actual talks. “For us, this is a special holiday, and when good friends come, it is very good. You came willingly, of course, because it’s a holiday, but we do have some important matters to discuss.”
“First of all, I want to thank you for the invitation to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Victory,” Castro responded. “I was already born when you won. I was 14 years old and remember all the news broadcasts about your victory in the Great War. I simply could NOT not come.”
After noting that Russia and Cuba have been friends for many years, Castro turned the conversation to the weather, saying that he hoped the weather on Saturday (May 9) would be good while the parade proceeds “on the beautiful Red Square.”
“Something tells me that the weather will be normal,” replied Medvedev, eliciting laughter from the journalists, who know the Russian saying that, if the weather is not good, the Kremlin can order the clouds to disperse.
“I don’t get the joke, but I also think that the weather will be good,” commented Castro, a bit puzzled.
“Definitely! Even better, now that you’re here,” said Medvedev, smiling. “There’s a parade to watch. There will be a large number of airplanes and helicopters, not to mention armor on the ground. Some things will be seen for the first time. To you, as defense minister, this would be interesting.”
[Translator’s Note: Castro relinquished that post in 2008. The current defense minister is Gen. Leopoldo Cintra Frías, who is accompanying Castro on this trip.]
After that, the journalists were asked to leave the room, so Castro and Medvedev could talk privately. Later, a second meeting was held with the participation of specialized delegations.
