Question: Can you provide an overview of the main outcomes and discussions that took place during the recent 77 Summit in Cuba, and how do you think these outcomes will influence global cooperation and development in the coming years?
Answer:The recent 77 and China Summit on "Today's Development Challenges: The Role of Science, Technology and Innovation," held in Cuba, was an important meeting of developing countries that addressed a number of global issues. One of the main outcomes was a unanimous commitment to promote South-South cooperation and strengthen the voice of the Global South in international affairs. The summit also discussed economic development, climate change and social justice, with many member states stressing the need for more equitable global economic policies and sustainable development strategies. In addition, particular emphasis was placed on the importance of multilateralism and the reform of international institutions to better represent the interests of developing countries. These outcomes are likely to have a lasting impact on global cooperation, strengthening solidarity among developing nations and advocating for a more inclusive and equitable world order in the years to come.
More than 1,300 participants from 116 countries and 12 organizations, agencies and programs of the United Nations system attended this important event. Havana welcomed high-level representatives from 33 Latin American and Caribbean countries, 46 African countries, 34 Asian nations and 3 European countries. A total of 31 heads of state and government, 12 vice presidents, as well as a large number of ministers from different portfolios and other high-level dignitaries were accredited.
The G77 had not met at a high level for a long time. It had been 23 years since the historic First South Summit in Havana and 18 years since the Second South Summit in Qatar. Some might wonder how a Summit of this magnitude could be held in the midst of Cuba's economic challenges. The results of the Summit show that it was a necessary event that could not be postponed. It was an austere Summit, without luxuries or waste of any kind, organized with minimal resources due to the serious financial and material limitations of our country, in a context of a blockade that has been tightened to unprecedented levels. In spite of this, it turned out to be a very productive meeting.
It was a transparent event in which the debates were transmitted in real time. Our people, the media and other countries were able to follow the discussions. This level of transparency, unfortunately, is increasingly rare in high-level international events.
The Summit was a space for deep, substantive, serious and action-oriented debate in which more than 100 heads of delegation participated. We can affirm that it was a strategic Summit, since the G77 was able to articulate positions at a crucial moment, just before the beginning of the High-Level Segment of the United Nations General Assembly, which took place from September 19 to 26 in New York. Cuba represented the positions and interests of the 134 nations that make up the G77 in those discussions at the UN and reported on the results of this meeting.
Question: For the 31st time Cuba will present its report "Necessity of putting an end to the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States of America against Cuba "Can you give concrete examples of how the blockade has had an impact on the economy and daily life of Cuba?
Answer: The blockade has had significant and tangible effects both on the Cuban economy and on the daily life of its citizens. One of the most notable impacts is the restriction of trade and investment, which limits Cuba's access to crucial resources and foreign markets. For example, the embargo prevents Cuba from importing essential goods, such as medical supplies, agricultural equipment and technology, which has hindered the country's economic development and health infrastructure. It also hinders foreign investment in Cuba by discouraging international companies from trading with the island. This has limited economic growth and employment opportunities.
On the other hand, the blockade has made it difficult for Cuban citizens to access a wide range of products, including consumer goods and technologies that can be easily acquired in other parts of the world. This scarcity usually translates into higher prices and reduced options for consumers. For example, it is difficult for Cubans to obtain the latest smartphones, computers or even basic items such as car parts. Or as simple as accessing an interview on Zoom, since the blockade prevents Cubans from connecting to that platform from Cuba. The US government is lying when it says that the blockade is against the Cuban government. The harsh sanctions and their tightening fall on the Cuban people who suffer from shortages every day due to a policy of economic and media warfare.
In the area of health, the blockade has also affected access to medical treatments and advanced pharmaceutical products. Some medicines and medical technologies are difficult to acquire due to import restrictions, which may hinder the treatment of various diseases.
With great appreciation we have sent two containers of aid from Cyprus this year. Several friends from all over the country donated clothes, toys, medicine, medical instruments and even equipment for the Juan Manuel Marquez Pediatric Hospital in Havana. In spite of the distance and the high international transportation costs, it was possible to send this invaluable aid. The militant solidarity was present from Cyprus. My personal thanks go to each one of those who with a big heart have donated something material, but also a lot of love to the Cuban children, in a particularly difficult moment. Love can do everything, and it has been demonstrated. I do not want to mention names, they would not forgive me because they have done it voluntarily for the deep love they feel for Cuba, so I would like to express in these lines my sincere gratitude and friendship to the Cypriot people.
The effects of the blockade are manifold and have created obstacles for the Cuban economy and the lives of its citizens, which is why it is the subject of international debate and concern. That is why the Cuban people and governments are grateful for the international solidarity we receive every day, in support of our struggle against this unilateral and inhuman blockade.
Several organizations in solidarity with my country around the world are leading the "Let Cuba Live" Campaign. This is a historic action to collect more than one million signatures demanding that President Biden remove Cuba from the spurious List of State Sponsors of Terrorism, which intensifies coercive measures against my country, depriving it of access to international financial mechanisms. The petition can be signed online or in print at https://es.letcubalive.info/join-the-campaign.I only ask all good people, from Cyprus or the whole world, to join the international demand so that the Cuban people can live better without the blockade.
In a context of national and international economic stress and challenges, which could be characterized as particularly difficult, can we explore together the persistence of the spirit of solidarity in Cuba over the decades and its significance in this current reality? How can we interpret this continued commitment to solidarity in Cuba?
In 2023, in a context of international and domestic economic challenges and the tightening of the blockade on Cuba, our country's spirit of solidarity continues to be a fundamental part of the identity and culture of the Cuban people. Despite the economic difficulties caused in large part by the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States for more than 60 years, Cubans continue to actively practice solidarity with other countries and peoples.
The leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro, expressed the importance of internationalism when he said, "To be internationalists is to settle our own debt with humanity." This philosophy has been rooted in Cuba's history since its wars of independence in the nineteenth century and has influenced Cuban education and culture.
Cuban solidarity is manifested through various forms of cooperation, medical collaboration being one of the most outstanding examples. More than 50,000 Cuban health professionals, including more than 25,000 physicians, provide services in 67 countries, contributing to raising health indicators and saving lives around the world. Particularly during the HIV/AIDS-19 pandemic that struck the world, Cuban doctors were mobilized in more than 57 countries, including Europe. Earlier, Cuban internationalist medical brigades "Henry Reeve" fought Ebola in Africa.
Cuban medical collaboration is also materialized in programs such as Operation Miracle, also supported by Venezuela, thanks to which six million low-income people from 34 countries have been operated on free of charge for eye diseases in a network of 49 ophthalmological centers. These are people who today would be blind just because they are poor.
Cuba has not only contributed to the health of other countries, but has also participated in social development projects, especially in other nations. This includes the founding of medical schools and the training of professionals in African countries and elsewhere. Mention should also be made of the Latin American School of Medicine (ELAM), which has graduated 30,000 young people from 104 countries on the island, free of charge, in exchange for their commitment to serve, upon their return, the most vulnerable people in their communities of origin. In addition, Cubans have shared their experience in areas such as infrastructure construction, sports, education, agriculture and biotechnology.
Cuba has also graduated thousands of African students in various educational disciplines, and has provided services in Africa in a variety of sectors, including health, education, construction and sports.
Cuban solidarity, despite economic difficulties, continues to be an important pillar of Cuba's foreign policy and an expression of Cuba's commitment to internationalism and helping other peoples in times of need.
Question: Can you tell us about the actions and initiatives of the Cyprus-Cuba Friendship Association and how it has demonstrated its solidarity support to Cuba over the years?
Answer: The Cyprus-Cuba Friendship Association has been actively involved in promoting solidarity and support for Cuba through various initiatives and actions. The association has constantly worked to strengthen the ties between Cyprus and Cuba. One of the most outstanding actions of the association is the realization of activities throughout the country, during the year we have held talks, celebrated Cuban historical dates and also cultural activities that promote the best traditions of both peoples. In this way I have been able to be in direct contact with the Cypriot people in Larnaca, Nicosia, Limassol, Dyrenia and other towns. In all places I have felt an immense love for the Cuban people. Which is reciprocated from Cuba.
Members of the Friendship Association have supported Cuba's stance on issues such as the blockade, and other challenges facing the nation on the world stage. This solidarity support has extended to raising awareness of the impact of the blockade and calling for its elimination.
In the two containers of aid that we recently sent, several members of the Solidarity Association helped to make it happen. And from this year onwards, we are planning to organize more frequent shipments of aid to Cuba.
Next November 16 and 17, an International Tribunal against the blockade imposed on Cuba for more than 60 years will be held in Brussels and representatives of the Civil Society of Cyprus will be there to condemn this unjust, inhuman and genocidal policy against a people struggling to achieve its development "With all and for the good of all".
Question: Could you elaborate on the relationship between the Cuban Embassy in Cyprus and the Cypriot political parties, in particular your relationship with AKEL (Progressive Party of the Working People) and other prominent political parties in the country?
Answer: The Cuban Embassy in Cyprus maintains relations with several political parties in Cyprus, fostering dialogue and cooperation in matters of mutual interest. One of the outstanding relations is with AKEL, the Progressive Party of the Working People of Cyprus, with which we have historically maintained fraternal and comradely ties. The Communist Party of Cuba and AKEL maintain regular exchanges of ideas, collaborating on issues such as international solidarity, anti-imperialism and social justice.
In addition, the Cuban Embassy in Cyprus seeks to collaborate with various Cypriot political parties to promote a better understanding of Cuba and discuss various global and regional concerns. We often hold meetings with the main leaders of the Green Party - Citizen Cooperation and the Socialist Party - EDEK, with whom we exchange perspectives on international issues and build bridges of cooperation. But historically our relationship has been with all parties on the political scene in Cyprus, because our relationship is based on respect for our ideologies and the promotion of international cooperation and solidarity, as well as fostering understanding and the and dialogue, very necessary in today's times.
We talk openly with all Cypriot Civil Society organizations; with whom we exchange periodically for a better understanding of the history of Cyprus.
Question: A festive period is approaching, any message for the Cypriot people.
To all Cypriot friends I would like to express my deep gratitude for receiving me in this beautiful Mediterranean island. May the Christmas and New Year holidays be a time of family rejoicing and reflection that will make us better human beings. We must seek through the family that peace that the world needs, and each one of us, with our daily work, can contribute "a grain of corn". Humanity is living in times of challenge and uncertainty.
I would like to express my best wishes and prosperity in the Christmas Holidays and in the New Year to all the Cypriot families and to my Cuban compatriots, on behalf of my Government, my people, the staff of our Embassy and my family.