Havana, Cuba - February 28, 2025 Storyline: A gathering was held in Havana, Cuba on Friday, bringing together representatives of the Chinese Air Force and over 10 retired Cuban pilots who received training in China. The event was attended by the Chinese ambassador to Cuba, the commander of the Cuban Revolutionary Air and Air Defense Force, and other guests. In the conference hall of the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces' foreign affairs bureau, the Chinese Air Force delegation met with Cuban veteran pilots. At the event, senior colonel Li Hongpeng, representing the Chinese Air Force, read out a handwritten letter from Chinese instructors who had trained the Cuban pilots flight skills. Some Chinese instructors who participated in teaching or translation work extended their greetings to the Cuban pilots via video link. The Chinese Air Force prepared gifts such as calligraphy works and framed photos for the Cuban pilots. Mario Rodriguez Penaranda, commander of the Cuban Revolutionary Air and Air Defense Force, and Hua Xin, Chinese Ambassador to Cuba, delivered speeches at the event, recalling the friendship the two sides have forged. In 1961, 223 young Cubans were selected and sent to China to learn piloting and aircraft repair skills. After completing their studies, they returned to their country in 1963 and became the backbone of the Cuban Air Force. Shotlist: Havana, Cuba - Feb 28, 2025: 1. Various of Chinese Air Force representatives meeting Cuban pilots who received training in China; 2. Various of sign reading "visit Cuban students who received training in China" 3. Attendees listening; 4. SOUNDBITE (Spanish/Chinese) Henry Perez, Cuban pilot: "I think the best thing that has happened to us is the full, selfless and united training we received from this great country China. [switch to Chinese] Long live, the Communist Party of China and the Communist Party of Cuba! Thank you!" 5. Various of senior colonel Li Hongpeng speaking; 6. Attendees applauding; 7. Various of Chinese instructors extending greetings to Cuban pilots via video link; 8. Various of Li presenting gift to Cuban pilots; 9. Attendees listening; 10. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Mario Rodriguez Penaranda, commander, Cuban Revolutionary Air and Air Defense Force: "In the first years after the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the support provided by the Chinese brothers for the training of our military personnel and the strengthening of our defensive capacity was decisive." 11. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Hua Xin, Chinese Ambassador to Cuba: "The Chinese Air Force traveled all the way to visit Cuban veteran pilots who had trained in China, bringing both sides together for a reunion of special significance. This moment represents a teacher-student bond that has spanned half a century, an unbreakable fellowship, and enduring comradeship!" 12. Li presenting gift to Cuban pilot; 13. Cuban pilot showing old photo; 14. Group photo. [Restrictions : No access Chinese mainland]