Radio Cadena Agramonte emisiora de Camagüey
Vientiane, February 14.- The president of the Laos-Cuba Friendship Association, Chaleun Yiapaoheu, today expressed his condolences for the passing of Doctor Julio López, head of the first Cuban medical brigade that provided services in this Southeast Asian nation in 1973.
In a condolence message directed to the head of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP, for its acronym in Spanish), Fernando González, Yiapaoheu described the doctor from the Largest of the Antilles as a "very dear friend and companion of our people."
He recalled that López and the other members of the first medical brigade from the island worked in Houaphan province, in the liberated territories of Laos, under very difficult conditions. Despite this, they successfully carried out their noble task.
"The physical disappearance of Doctor Julio López represents a loss not only for his family and the people of Cuba, but also for our humble people who have never forgotten his sacrifice in our country," noted Yiapaoheu, who is also the vice president of the National Assembly (Parliament) of Laos.
In conveying heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Executive Committee of the Laos Friendship Association, Yiapaoheu emphasized that the endearing presence of the revolutionary doctor here will always be remembered with much affection.
For her part, Cuban Ambassador Enna Viant highlighted on her Facebook profile that López is a central figure in the history of cooperation between both nations, both as head of the first medical brigade and in his capacity as vice president of the Laos-Cuba Friendship Association.
"Julio López is deeply connected to the solidarity, friendly, and heartfelt relations between Cuba and Laos," emphasized the diplomat and recalled that on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, the Cuban embassy published a bilingual edition of the chapter "Solidarity" from his book "Memories of a Cuban Doctor."
This distinguished Cuban specialist has the honor of being a pioneer in cooperation, as the initiator of medical collaboration, and his work is cited as an example of the historical ties and combat brotherhood that have united both peoples for over half a century, the diplomat emphasized.
In an interview with Prensa Latina 50 years after completing that internationalist mission alongside seven other members of the first medical brigade, Doctor López stated that during those 16 months they worked, laughed, learned, taught, and overcame all difficulties in a distant country "that I hold in my heart. I love Laos." (Text and photos: PL)
