Islamabad, 13 July 2026. During a cordial courtesy visit, the Cuban Ambassador, Damián Cordero Torres, was received by Senator Agha Shahzaib Durrani, Chair of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs of the Pakistani Senate, who was also accompanied by Senator Danesh Kumar, Coordinator of the Minority Parliamentary Group in the Senate.
During the meeting, the Cuban Ambassador offered his heartfelt condolences for the recent victims in the province of Balochistan – the Senator’s home province – as a result of actions by terrorist groups. The Cuban Ambassador reaffirmed Cuba’s condemnation and rejection of all forms and manifestations of terrorism, of which its people have also been victims. The ambassador also took the opportunity to thank Pakistan for voting in favour of Cuba during the opening of Agenda Item 38 at the United Nations General Assembly: ‘The necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States against Cuba’. Similarly, he updated the senator on the difficult situation facing the Cuban nation, resulting from the tightening of the US blockade following the two most recent executive orders signed by President Trump, which range from an energy blockade to sanctions against foreign countries and companies attempting to trade with Cuba.
Senator Shahzaib Durrani reaffirmed to the Cuban ambassador that Cuba would continue to vote against the US blockade, describing it as an issue that enhances the bilateral relationship the two countries have maintained for years, a relationship underpinned by the values of solidarity and gratitude, and the principles of respect for the independence and sovereignty of states, as well as adherence to international law and the UN Charter itself. He also expressed his gratitude for the update provided, with precise data, on the impact of the blockade on the lives of the people and the measures being taken by the Cuban government to circumvent this naval blockade – which has effectively become an economic war – whilst also acknowledging the resilience of the Cuban people in overcoming these challenges.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for both representatives to discuss domestic issues, as well as matters relating to security and stability in the Gulf region and of an international nature.
(EmbaCuba Pakistan)
