Italy Appeals to Cuba and Venezuela for Medical Help in Battling Coronavirus

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – In the wake of the current coronavirus pandemic, Giulio Gallera, Minister of Health of the northern Italian region of Lombardy, has announced his plan to recruit medical personnel from Cuba and Venezuela to the region. The right-wing Conservative Forza Italia party politician made the announcement on Saturday.

In addition to the two Latin American states, Gallera also mentioned the People’s Republic of China. The minister said that accommodation should be provided for medical personnel, adding that “everyone’s skills are needed”.

Gallera failed to provide any details on the specific arrangements for personnel from Cuba and Venezuela to go to northern Italy.

Venezuela and Italy have enjoyed privileged relations for two centuries. Italian is the second most spoken language in the South American country. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro last visited Italy on state visits in 2013 and 2016.

Italy is one of two countries in the European Union that have not recognized the self-proclaimed “interim president” Juan Guaidó. Instead, the Italian government called for the political crisis to be resolved through new elections.

Lombardy, in Italy, is the province most affected by the current pandemic. The region has been cordoned off since February 22nd.

Last week, Maurizio Massari, the Italian ambassador to the EU, complained that not a single member state of the European Union had responded to a call for help from his country.

In contrast, last Friday the Chinese government dispatched a plane with a team of doctors and 30 tons of medical supplies, including respiratory masks and respirators. Italy’s Foreign Minister Luigi Di Magio thanked by a Facebook video “this form of Chinese solidarity”.