Paris, August 28, 2024. The denunciation of Cuba's unjust permanence on the list of countries that allegedly sponsor terrorism was the central axis of the meeting held by the Cuban Ambassador María del Carmen Herrera Caseiro with the new Assistant Director General of UNESCO for Priority Africa and External Relations, Mr. Firmin Edouard Matoko.
In thanking the international organization for its traditional support in the battle against the blockade through the sending of its annual contribution to the report of the UN Secretary General, the Cuban diplomat explained at length the negative repercussions of the inclusion of her country on the aforementioned list, which deepen the impact of the blockade.
In this regard, she referred to the additional barriers imposed by Cuba's presence on the list to all financial and commercial transactions of the country, the implementation of cooperation programs and the work of UNESCO.
At the same time, the representative of the Island reported on the broad international demand, and within the United States, in favor of the removal of Cuba from that list, mentioning the joint statements issued by the Group of 77 and the Non-Aligned Movement Chapters of UNESCO, and by ALBA group at this headquarters.
The senior UNESCO official assured that the organization would continue sending its contribution to the Secretary General on the negative effects of the blockade against Cuba.
Furthermore, both parties exchanged views on the call for the international conference Cuba 2024: Decade of Afro-descendants, presented by the Cuban representative. They also agreed to recognize the excellent relations of cooperation existing between Cuba and UNESCO.
Also participating in the meeting were Ms. Joyce Monteiro, head of the Latin American and Caribbean Unit of the Sector, and Mr. Dov Lynch, head of section for relations with Member States.