The official delivery of the 84 buses donated by the government of Japan to Havana, a symbol of friendship between the two nations, took place today, as part of the economic and social development program promoted by the Asian nation in Cuba.

Reinaldo García Zapata, Governor of the City, recalled that the vehicles arrived in the capital on January 13, and that this is a non-refundable financial assistance, which is transcendental for the transportation of passengers.

The arrival and start-up of these vehicles will have a great impact on the population, in the improvement of the public transportation service and will improve the life quality of nearly 40 thousand inhabitants.

He also emphasized that the equipment is of excellent quality and arrive at a time when the unilateral measures of the United States are intensifying as never before, drastically impacting the acquisition of spare parts and necessary pieces for the sustainability of the means of transportation.

García Zapata pointed out that the people of Havana are grateful for such a valuable gesture, which favors and improves their welfare and benefits the social and working life in the city.

He asserted that these signs of affection and consideration make us more and more convinced that we have chosen the right path, the path of dignity and sovereignty.

The Governor highlighted the special meaning of this gesture of solidarity, when, just Today we celebrate the anniversary of the birth of José Martí, who always gave a great significance to friendship over all things.

He also thanked those who collaborated and supported the people of Havana to make possible the arrival and later star-up of the buses fleet.

Hirata Kenji, Ambassador of Japan in Cuba, also alluded to the anniversary of the birth of The Apostle and shared one of his phrases: ¨Helping the ones in need is not just part of the duty, but also part of the happiness¨.

In 2016, after the former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, he pointed out, a great progress was made in terms of cooperation between the Caribbean island and Japan which increased the official assistance for development.

Under this policy Japan has realized three donation projects, each one with a 10-million-dollar value: the first one with 100 solid-waste-collector trucks, the second with vehicles and specialized equipment for urban hygienization and the third, with 84 buses.