Jakarta, November 10 - Today in this city, headquarters of the Secretariat of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), was known the signing by Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla of the Instrument of Accession of Cuba to the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation (TAC) of this block, during a virtual meeting of foreign ministers within the framework of its 37th Summit.
The incorporation of the TAC by Cuba, the first Caribbean country and fifth Latin American to do so, is a tribute to the Island's historical ties with the ASEAN member states, while showing the will and confidence of its ten member states in the commitment of friendship and capacity for cooperation of the Greater Antilles with the Asian region.
This action will also contribute to the expansion of the bloc's relations with the Latin American and Caribbean region and the multidimensional collaboration, based on non-aggression and cooperation as the guiding principles of the treaty.
Under the foundations of the TAC, Cuba could cooperate with the bloc in various sectors, namely: biotechnology, pharmaceutical, education, sports, natural disaster management, adaptation to climate change, epidemics, including Covid-19.
In his speech, the Cuban Foreign Minister stated: "The signing of the Instrument of Accession takes place in an international context that demonstrates the extraordinary value of solidarity and cooperation to face global challenges, including the confrontation with Covid-19."
Cuba maintains historic friendly relations with all ASEAN member countries on the basis of mutual respect. This year, despite the limitations imposed by the current Pandemic, we have been celebrating the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with the Republic of Indonesia.
Since 2013, Cuba has been accredited to the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta, which has fostered a fluid exchange with this body.
Embassy of Cuba in Indonesia.