President Díaz-Canel Welcomes Kevin Costner to Cuba

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel welcomed actor Kevin Costner on Monday, acknowledging his contributions to arts and social issues. Costner expressed enjoyment of his visit and admiration for Havana’s architecture. The discussions included underwater archaeology, with an invitation to return to explore more sites. Costner’s prior visit in 2001 and meeting with Fidel Castro further enhance his ties to Cuba.

On Monday afternoon, President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez of Cuba welcomed American actor Kevin Costner to the Palace of the Revolution. This marks Costner’s second visit to Cuba, where he is engaged in a project concerning underwater archaeology. The President expressed his “enormous satisfaction” in meeting the filmmaker and conveyed that the Cuban populace holds great appreciation for him, due to not only his artistic endeavors but also his commitment to social and environmental causes.

During his visit, Mr. Costner expressed that he has thoroughly enjoyed his time in Cuba, declaring it has been a “dream for a long time” and noted, “I have studied the Caribbean a lot”. His recent visit included a stop at the Castillo de La Real Fuerza Museum in Havana, where he expressed his admiration for the museum’s underwater archaeological exhibits and the museum’s colonial architecture.

Mr. Costner was particularly impressed by the architecture of Havana and the two engaged in a delightful conversation. President Díaz-Canel took the opportunity to invite him to return to Cuba, suggesting potential visits to other historically significant underwater archaeological sites, such as Santiago de Cuba.

The exchange also included Cuban underwater archaeologist and researcher Alejandro Mirabal, who is notable for his work in the preservation of underwater heritage. Mr. Costner acknowledged that his friendship with Mr. Mirabal, which began over a decade ago in Mozambique, has flourished since their initial meeting.

Kevin Costner first visited Cuba in 2001, during the screening of his film “13 Days”, and was pleasantly surprised by a meeting with Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz. Reflecting on that experience, he later told media it was “an experience for life” and emphasized his happiness regarding the progress towards greater understanding and friendship between nations: “in the world in which we live, I am always happy about the news that means that we are getting closer and closer to each other.”

President Miguel Díaz-Canel’s welcoming of Kevin Costner highlights the positive bilateral relations between Cuba and the United States, particularly in cultural and environmental dimensions. Costner’s interest in Cuba’s underwater archaeology and architecture reflects a growing appreciation for the island’s rich heritage. His interactions with President Díaz-Canel and underwater archaeologist Alejandro Mirabal underscore meaningful exchanges that foster friendship and collaboration between the two nations.

Original Source: en.granma.cu