Havana, September 13 (RHC)-- Venezuela became the first country to send humanitarian aid to Cuba, in the wake of the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma.

The first aid shipment arrived in Havana Tuesday, September 12, on board an aircraft of the Venezuelan Air Force. It consists of a 7.3 ton cargo, mostly mattresses, water and canned food, along with a message of solidarity from the people of Venezuela and President Nicolás Maduro.

Accompanying the aid was Venezuelan Minister for Women and Gender Equality, Blanca Eekhout, who said that her country is ready and willing to assist Cuba anyway it can, as an expression of infinite gratitude and solidarity.

She noted that Cuba has always accompanied and supported Venezuela through the most difficult times. “This is why the Venezuelan people and their Bolivarian Revolution are forever committed to the Cuban people and their Revolution,” she stressed.

She announced that further donations from the Venezuelan people to the Cuban victims of Hurricane Irma will arrive shortly.

Meanwhile, Cuban Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade Roberto López highlighted the gesture of solidarity from Venezuela, and its support at this difficult time, which further asserts the bonds of friendship and solidarity between the two governments and peoples.

Many countries around the world, especially in Latin America, have expressed their solidarity with Cuba in the wake of Irma, which battered the country for more than 72 hours as a category 5 hurricane, hitting 13 out of Cuba's 15 provinces.