Nova Scotia Cuba Association

 Donations from Japan and Russia in Cuba: the focus is strengthening food security among the most vulnerable sectors of our population.

Carmen Maturell Senon | internet@granma.cu October 2026

The donations, destined to support the most vulnerable sectors of the Cuban populations, sent by the government of Japan and by the Russian Federation, were very well received. In the case of the Russian Federation it was the Ministry of Civil Defence, Emergencies and for the Elimination of Natural Disaster Consequences the one responsible for the support; it included 750 tons of vegetable oil, 211 tons already out of the ship and in Cuban soil, 500 tons are in the process of being discharged.

During the act of reception, presided by vice prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment, Oscar Pérez-Oliva Fraga, the ambassador of the Russian Federation, Victor Koronelli, and members of the World Food Programme in Cuba, highlighted the contribution as part of other contributions including fuel, medications and food that the Russian Federation has already provided to Cuba.

Betsy Díaz Velázquez, Minister of Internal Trade gave her thanks for the support provided and explained that indeed this is a contribution towards fulfilling the needs of families with children under the age of 5 in situations of vulnerability, towards expecting mothers, and infants affected by chronic disease and low weight.

Díaz Velázquez also pointed out that «in the middle of the challenging context Cuba is facing, the donation provides another opportunity to reaffirm the historic links between the Russian Federation and Cuba».

Victor Koronelli added that the donation of vegetable oil, besides being a symbolic gesture, will have increased important value at this time when the United States is intensifying its blockade against Cuba.

Regarding the Japanese donation of 425 tons of rice it is important to explain that this donation is part of a humanitarian response in support of the Cuban population affected by Hurricane Melissa, which particularly affected the Eastern part of Cuba. This donation is part of the World Food Program, of which 170 tons of grains and 226 tons of oil had already been received. The ambassador of Japan, Nakamura Kazuhito, had already said that Japan is willing to cooperate and share resources that contribute to alleviate the situation of the Cuban population during challenging times.

The vice prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment, Pérez-Oliva Fraga, highlighted that this actions of support underline that Cuba IS NOT ALONE something «particularly important at the time when the US administration pretends to isolate our country under pressure and direct threats, all based on lies formulated to encourage the world to react against the Cuban Government».

The Japanese donation was affected by the blockade against Cuba, it was stranded in the port, he said, its distribution delayed for a few months since its arrival in Cuba.

«Our government assures donations reach the most vulnerable people and centers of social assistance in our country, our goal is to support and ensure appropriate levels of food and nutrition in our population».

Translation by NSCUBA (Nova Scotia)