By Roberto Morejon

The Fourth Conference on the Nation and Emigration will go down in history for having achieved such an event after almost two decades, and for coining the concept of emigrants as Cubans who travel and return, settle in other latitudes and do not abandon their love for their homeland.
 
This was discussed at the forum and how traditions, memories and motivations characterize a large part of those born in the largest of the Antilles, now settled across the seas.
 
Circularity and human mobility at the global level and how the Caribbean nation is no exception were highlighted at the Havana meeting.
 
At the closing of the forum, President Miguel Diaz-Canel explained it this way: the presence of Cubans living outside the country is much more numerous and varied and is settled in different parts of the world.

From the conference emerged the desire to stimulate links with Cubans living in other countries, through the strengthening of cultural and historical ties.
 
For the Cuban government and those attending the conference, it was clear that these approaches are hindered by the intensified U.S. blockade.
 
They are also hindered by the hegemonic media campaigns which, as intellectual Abel Prieto said, pursue every detail of Cuba's reality to build the image of what they describe as a failed state.
 
For many residents abroad who traveled to Havana, it was remarkable to learn from authoritative voices about the difficult situation of the domestic economy, as a consequence of the siege, the crises in the world and internal insufficiencies.
 
Although not everyone had the time to see examples, officials spoke frankly about the visible social impact of the shortages and the affectation of the standard of living.
 
However, as was stated in the forum, the government's will is to continue deepening relations with the people living abroad and one of the ways to achieve this is through their active participation in the economy.
 
In this regard, it was encouraging to learn about the constitution of the first business with a Cuban resident in other latitudes, under the Foreign Investment Law and for the commercialization of food, in linkage with local companies.
 
Six investment projects are under negotiation and five branches headed by Cubans living in other countries are already open.
 
If we continue along this path, it will be possible to work even more, between those here and there, in terms of the country they love.