Full remarks by Rodrigo Malmierca Díaz, Ambassador of Cuba to Canada, at a discussion organized by the Canadian Network on Cuba (CNC), Ottawa, February 13, 2026.
Good afternoon. I want to thank the Canadian Network on Cuba for convening this meeting. We are pleased to welcome you to the Embassy to address your interest in learning more about the situation in Cuba. We appreciate the participation of our friends of Cuba and Cubans residing in Canada who are with us in Ottawa, as well as all those joining us online.
The United States government's policy of economic warfare against Cuba has reached its most ruthless expression in recent days.
The economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States government against Cuba has lasted for more than 60 years. Its extraterritorial effects are well known, through measures such as the Helms-Burton Act. During President Trump's first term, his administration implemented more than 240 measures to intensify the economic aggression against our people. The most serious one was the inclusion of Cuba on a list of countries that supposedly sponsor terrorism. Upon assuming his second term, President Trump reinstated this decision, which had been eliminated by the Biden administration. There is a pattern in the aggressions against Cuba, which are based on lies and falsehoods. Cuba has never sponsored terrorism; on the contrary, it has been a victim of it. Cuba rejects terrorism in all its forms. However, by being on that spurious list, we suffer countless restrictions on our international financial relations.
However, this was not enough. On January 29, 2026, President Trump signed Executive Order 14380, titled "Addressing Threats to the United States by the Government of Cuba," which declares a national emergency, arguing that Cuba is an unusual and extraordinary threat to U.S. national security and foreign policy. With this justification, the U.S. government can impose additional tariffs on third countries that supply oil or petroleum products to Cuba.
If it were not so tragic, the fact that the United States accuses Cuba of being a threat to its national security would be laughable. It is a false and ridiculous accusation. Cuba is not only threatened, but also attacked by a great power. And not just today. It is a long history of aggressions of all kinds.
Our government has categorically rejected being a danger to the security of the United States or any other country. The Cuban people promote peace, friendship, and solidarity, not war. The United States authorities are well aware that Cuba cooperates on regional security issues and in the fight against terrorism and drug trafficking.
The accusations that Cuba harbors foreign intelligence bases or terrorist groups are false. This reinforces the pattern of lying to justify a criminal economic war.
This new oil blockade is enforced through coercion and threats against third countries simply for engaging in international trade. One must ask, is the United States acting in accordance with international law? Does anybody have the right to impose its will by force against another nation?
Behind this new escalation of aggression against Cuba lies the dark desire to destroy the Cuban Revolution. They do not hesitate to create hardship for the people, as Under Secretary of State Mallory acknowledged in a recently declassified document dating back to 1960.
Let me use an example for you to understand the practical impact of the oil embargo. Cuba currently lacks jet fuel to supply its international aircraft. This has led Air Canada, WestJet, and Air Transat to announce the suspension of their flights to our country until the end of the winter season.
This is how they intend to make Cuba surrender: suffocating our economy and our population.
President Trump says that Cuba must negotiate. It is important to keep in mind that Cuba's traditional position has been one of willingness to engage in dialogue and maintain a normal relationship with the United States. We have nothing against the American people. It is possible to discuss any topic, but as equals, without pressure or threats. Our president has stated this very clearly last week.
Faced with the tightening of the blockade and fuel limitations, the Cuban government has implemented a plan of creative resistance, which will accelerate the shift in the energy matrix with solar energy and other renewable energy alternatives, while simultaneously implementing austerity measures, prioritizing vital social sectors and the population.
Our people have a history of unity and struggle that we will not betray. Surrender will never be an option. It inspires us to know that Cuba is not alone, and that, as today in Canada, many around the world support our right to exist without foreign interference against our national sovereignty.
I conclude with a quote from President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez: "The world must decide whether it will allow a crime like this, perpetrated today against Cuba, which could be perpetrated against any other nation in the world, to be the future we have for humanity."
Thank you very much.