Laos Mourns Death of Cuban Internationalist Doctor Julio López

Vientiane: The president of the Laos-Cuba Friendship Association, Chaleun Yiapaoheu, today expressed deep sorrow over the death of Dr. Julio López, who led the first Cuban medical brigade deployed to this Southeast Asian nation in 1973. According to Lao News Agency, Yiapaoheu conveyed his condolences to Fernando González, the president of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples. Yiapaoheu described López as 'a very dear friend and comrade of our people,' highlighting his significant contributions during his service in Houaphan Province within the liberated zones of Laos. Despite challenging conditions, López and his team successfully completed their humanitarian mission. Yiapaoheu, who also serves as Vice President of the Lao National Assembly, stated, 'The passing of Dr. Julio López is 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.' He emphasized the lasting impact of López's revolutionary presence in L aos, which will be remembered with profound affection. Additionally, Cuban Ambassador Enna Viant emphasized on social media that López holds a central place in the history of cooperation between Cuba and Laos. His dual role as head of the first medical brigade and Vice President of the Laos-Cuba Friendship Association underscores his deep ties to the solidarity and friendship between the two nations. The ambassador noted that a bilingual edition of the chapter 'Solidarity' from López's book Memoirs of a Cuban Doctor was published by the Cuban Embassy to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Dr. Julio López is celebrated as a pioneer of medical cooperation, symbolizing the historic ties and shared struggles that have united Cuba and Laos for over fifty years. Reflecting on his mission, López recalled, 'We worked, laughed, learned, taught, and overcame all difficulties in a distant country that I hold dear in my heart. I love Laos.'