Ottawa, February 26, 2026—Senators who are members of the Parliamentary Friendship Group with Cuba held a meeting today with Cuba's Ambassador, Rodrigo Malmierca Díaz, to address the complex situation Cuba is facing after the intensification of the economic and energy blockade established by the United States last January.
During the exchange, the Cuban Ambassador conveyed that the United States' decision to label Cuba as a threat to that country is unfounded and senseless, and seeks to undermine the will of the Cuban people through sanctions and coercion. He further pointed out that the current energy siege constitutes an intensification of the economic, commercial, and financial blockade that U.S. administrations have applied for over 60 years with the aim of provoking a change of government in Cuba. Similarly, he explained that this policy not only affects the Cuban people but also the Canadian people and businesses that operate on the island.
The occasion was opportune to express gratitude to Canada for the recent announcement of humanitarian aid to the Cuban people, which demonstrates the long-standing relationship between our states.
The meeting allowed for the reaffirmation of the Parliamentary Friendship Group with Cuba's commitment to promoting constructive dialogue, mutual understanding, and collaboration between both countries, in line with the principles of respect, sovereignty, and international cooperation that have historically characterized relations between Canada and Cuba.
