A student asks ambassador Lianys Torres Rivera a question during the question and answer section of her lecture. The ambassador spoke to BYU students and staff on Cuban culture and Cuban/U.S. relations. (Brianne Barrus)
She further explained the various developments that Cuba has made for its citizens, including art, literature and music, as well as growing in their social framework.
“I can assure you that Cuba’s strength in health care, education, tourism, sports and culture show a complex and resilient society. The island’s achievement in these areas — particularly given these economic constraints — highlight the innovative spirit and determination of its people for the challenge,” Torres Rivera said. “Cuba’s commitment to social equality, cultural development and international solidarity continues to define its identity on the global stage as the nation evolves.”
Addressing her audience, which included students who study foreign relations, Torres Rivera then went on to describe Cuba’s foreign relations policy.
“Cuba is proud to have diplomatic relations with 195 different countries. Cuba has 143 diplomatic missions in 116 countries,” Torres Rivera said.
However, the U.S. has a policy that restricts the kinds of relations, and the amount of trade and migration that can occur between the U.S. and Cuba.
“It is sad to see how the blockade is affecting not only the Cuban people, but also the U.S. people by not allowing them to travel as a tourist to Cuba,” Torres Rivera said.
BYU economics student Nathan Gurr said that this was one thing that he learned from the lecture.
“It felt like there was a big plea for support from the U.S. to lift sanctions. Mainly because there’s a big economic damper that’s placed on Cuba,” Graham said.
However, certain places and organizations are facilitating connections between Cuba and the U.S.
“Utah, with its unique demographic and values, has been able to establish connections that diverge from the typical U.S./Cuban narrative,” Torres Rivera said. “One of the most important areas of collaboration has been education. Universities like yours have developed programs aimed at fostering academic change with Cuban institutions.”
While there currently may be many limitations on relations between the U.S. and Cuba, the Cuban ambassador sees potential in future collaboration.
Cuban ambassador Lianys Torres Rivera smiles at students after her lecture. The ambassador came to speak at BYU on Oct. 16. (Brianne Barrus)
“Embracing this potential, Cuba and the U.S. — but specifically Cuba and Utah — can lead to a vibrant and dynamic relationship that celebrates the strength and contributions of each one of us,” Torres Rivera said, concluding her lecture.
After her lecture, there was some time during which attendees, including James Jefferies and Nathan Gurr, were able to ask questions to the ambassador.
“I think it’s great for BYU to have someone like her come, and her husband. The Kennedy Center really makes an effort to bring people like that here,” Jefferies said. “I think it’s good for the LDS church.”
The Kennedy Center will have updates for similar addresses made by other visiting ambassadors in the future.
“The intention is not only to introduce the ambassadors to Utah and to BYU more specifically, but it’s also to make sure that our students have the kind of experiences that students at George Washington or Harvard or Yale have because they’re closer to the diplomatic community,” Ringer said.
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Publish date : 2024-10-28 06:47:00
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