London, 4 June. In an official ceremony held at the headquarters of the International Coffee Organization (ICO), the Cuban Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Ismara Vargas Walter, formally deposited the instrument of ratification for the 2022 International Coffee Agreement.
This act reaffirms Cuba’s commitment to the sustainable and equitable development of the global coffee sector.
The document was received by the Executive Director of the ICO, Vanúsia Nogueira, who expressed her appreciation for Cuba’s active engagement within the organization. She also underscored Cuba’s historical significance as a coffee producer, renowned for the quality of its beans in international markets.
During the ceremony, both representatives highlighted the importance of the new agreement as a key instrument for strengthening international cooperation. They also emphasized the resilience of coffee producers and the need to promote economic, social, and environmental sustainability throughout the coffee value chain.
The discussions also addressed the negative impact of the blockade imposed by the United States government, which restricts access to essential resources, technologies, and financing in sectors such as agriculture. Despite these challenges, Cuba remains steadfast in its efforts to strengthen the coffee industry as a vital component of its sustainable development strategy.
Also present at the event were Soima Méndez, First Secretary for Economic Affairs at the Cuban Embassy, and Veronica Otelli, Specialist in International Relations at the ICO. Both reiterated the importance of fostering spaces for technical cooperation and ongoing dialogue among member countries.
Cuba’s ratification of the agreement reinforces its commitment to multilateralism, fair trade, and support for small-scale producers—key pillars of the country’s agricultural policy.
Through this step, Cuba formally joins the collective effort to revitalise the coffee sector, promote responsible and sustainable consumption, and forge strategic alliances that benefit all stakeholders in the global coffee industry.
