The visit of the Mission of Goodwill from Cuba, led by Ernesto Che Guevara

The Mission of Goodwill from Cuba, led by Ernesto Guevara, visited Yugoslavia in August 1959. The reception of the Mission and organization of their stay in Yugoslavia were handled by the Federal Secretariat of Foreign Affairs, which deemed it necessary to receive them, personally approved by President Tito, in order to enhance relations between Yugoslavia and Cuba.

In a letter addressed to President Tito requesting the reception of the Mission members, the importance of the visit was emphasized, especially since a Yugoslav Mission of Goodwill had visited Cuba one month earlier. The members of the Yugoslav Mission of Goodwill were received by Cuba's President Manuel Urrutia and the leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro. The goal of the Cuban representatives' visit was to establish closer ties and improve political and trade relations.

A particular task of the Mission was to convey greetings from Fidel Castro to President Tito, who was regarded as a hero and an example in the struggle for independence and equality during his visit to Cuba.

A proposed date for a brief meeting on Brioni Island was suggested to President Tito, as at the same time, Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia was also visiting Yugoslavia, casting a shadow over the Mission's visit.

Prepared by: Milica Borojević, Archivist