During the closing event of the Fourth Session of the Permanent Forum on Afro-descendants, entitled "Haitian Independence’s Debt: 200 Years Later," Ambassador Ernesto Soberón Guzmán, Permanent Representative of Cuba to the United Nations, reaffirmed his country's unwavering commitment to peace, development and the self-determination of the Haitian people.
In his speech, the Cuban diplomat stressed that Haiti deserves substantial and selfless cooperation from the international community, not only for reconstruction, but also to promote its sustainable development. "The international community has a moral obligation to support Haiti," said Soberón Guzmán, insisting on the need for a flow of international financial support to reactivate the Haitian economy without external interference.
The Ambassador recalled Cuba's historic cooperation of solidarity with Haiti, especially in key sectors such as health, education, sports, agriculture and the environment. He highlighted the role of Cuban doctors who, despite recent unfounded attacks by the U.S. government, have saved hundreds of thousands of lives in Haiti and performed millions of medical consultations, surgeries and deliveries.
"Paying off the enormous debt of the international community with Haiti is a matter of historical justice," the diplomat affirmed, and reiterated that Cuba will continue to stand by the Haitian people and promote greater international cooperation for the benefit of this Caribbean nation.
Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations