Shortly upon arriving, Fidel Castro’s first words were "what can I say? I am here, and I almost can’t believe it. It is a dream of an entire lifetime." The Cuban statesman then went on to speak about common historic and friendship ties between both countries and to stress that there is much that both nations can do to forge a better tomorrow. Following is a free translation of Castro’s words upon arriving to Santo Domingo: "Among the first things I learned during my first days in school was that very near to us there was a legendary country, that shared close historic ties to Cuba. That country we knew as Santo Domingo — I don’t know if there was any change since I entered grade school and there was a change of the name, I know that Santo Domingo is the capital and Dominican Republic is the republic. I also knew that the Indian "Hatuey", the first man that taught us how to fight for freedom, came from here. Since then, centuries have passed with much history in common, and nothing has been able to end the feelings of admiration, fraternity, and sympathy among our two people of a very similar characters and psyches. "Throughout my life I have had perennial admiration for this country and the struggles of its people. There was one happening engraved in the souls of our people, the Dominican participation in the Cuban independence war, the role played by Máximo Gómez, who became one of the most extraordinary figures of our history. We do not know, or better still I would not dare to discuss whether he was Cuban or Dominican. Many Dominicans, illustrious Dominicans have died in Cuba and their mortal remains will rest in that land that is their land, land of Dominicans as the Dominican Republic is the land of Cubans." Addressing President Fernández, he said that the President’s words of his participation in Cayo Confites made an impression on him. "What I have done for you is nothing. It is much what we have done together, but there is much more what we should do in the future and with that spirit I have come to this country, to participate in this great and important meeting, a big meeting of small countries that will have decisive importance for the present and future of our region. I know how much effort you are doing to achieve the integration among regional countries. I have been honored and am grateful for the friendship and brave gesture of inviting me to an official visit that will be brief given the number of commitments we have to fulfill in this month." Fidel Castro continued: "Historians tell that Columbus said upon arriving to Cuba that it was the most beautiful land eyes had ever seen. Probably Columbus had not seen the island known as Hispaniola. But if he said that, I would like to say when I express my feelings, that I wanted to come here to meet the admirable and wonderful Dominican people, and to tell them that this is the land that can most move the modest Cuban heart. Greetings with the warm and may I transmit the profound feelings of friendship and solidarity of our people to the Dominican people. Thank you very much."
