Geneva, Switzerland, 14 February 2025. H.E. Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), received today from Ambassador Rodolfo Benítez Verson the Credentials accrediting him as Permanent Representative of Cuba to the World Trade Organization.
During the exchange held between the two parties at the Organisation's headquarters, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala highlighted Cuba's active and constructive participation in the work of the WTO, as well as its leadership in promoting dialogue and multilateral cooperation in favour of sustainable development. She praised the significant cooperation that Cuba provides to other countries, sending doctors and other types of healthcare assistance to nations in need.
Benítez Verson reaffirmed that Cuba will continue to advocate for a fair, equitable, non-discriminatory and rules-based multilateral trading system that allows for the reduction of existing asymmetries. He described the blockade imposed by the United States on the Island as contrary to the purposes and principles of the WTO and the rules of the multilateral trading system, being the greatest obstacle to the normal development of Cuba's legitimate trade relations with the rest of the world. The Cuban diplomat extended an invitation to the Director-General to visit Cuba.
Both representatives agreed on the commitment to continue strengthening working relations between Cuba and the WTO for the benefit of the Cuban population.
The Permanent Representative of Cuba was accompanied by Madelyn Rodríguez Lara, Counsellor.
The WTO is the international organisation responsible for the rules governing trade between countries, with the aim of ensuring that trade flows as smoothly, predictably, and freely as possible.
Founded in 1995, it is one of the most recently established international organisations. Cuba became a Member State on April 20 of that same year. Currently, 166 countries, representing 98% of world trade, are members of the Organisation.
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