Cuban Ambassador reaffirms negative impact of the blockade as he met with farmers in the United States

The Ambassador of Cuba to the United States, José Ramón Cabañas Rodríguez, reaffirmed on September 12, in the framework of the annual meeting of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA), the negative impact of the blockade against Cuba as he explained how the regulations imposed by this policy are the main hindrance against the economic- commercial relations and the cooperation between Cuba and the United States, particularly, in the agricultural sector. 

 

In his remarks, the Cuban diplomat stated that: “To keep a failed policy against Cuba is a mistake. To support the blockade after the natural disasters suffered by the Caribbean this week is a crime”.

 

As he spoke before over 250 attendees to the event, the Cuban Ambassador stressed the potential that exists in the area of agriculture to strengthen the ties with Cuba, as he highlighted how the agricultural trade between both countries would be mutually beneficial. Ambassador Cabañas also highlighted how the signing in January 2017 of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministers of Agriculture of the United States and Cuba, provides a favorable platform for the cooperation in this field. 

 

José Ramón Cabañas also updated those present on the investments made in Cuba in order to increase the country’s production, quality and efficiency in the agricultural sector.  

 

The participation of the Cuban Ambassador in that conference which is taking place in New Orleans was auspicious to hold meetings with Barbara Glenn, CEO of NASDA, a not-for-profit, nonpartisan association established in 1916 that represents the commissioners, secretaries and directors of the State Departments of Agriculture of the 50 States and 4 territories of the United States. Likewise, Ambassador Cabañas was received by the Governor of Louisiana, Bel Edwards, the Mayor of the city of New Orleans, Mitch Landrieu and by several secretaries of agriculture of different states attending the event.

 

Ambassador Cabañas was accompanied on this occasion by the Minister-Counselor Rubén Ramos, Head of the Economic-Commercial Office of the Diplomatic Mission of Cuba in the United States.