Statement by Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla at the Security Council’s open debate on "Defending the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and strengthening the international system centered on the UN", New York, 26 May 2026 

Mr. President, distinguished permanent representatives:

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR) expresses its profound concern regarding the ongoing and intensifying economic, commercial, and financial measures imposed upon the Republic of Cuba. The COFCOR reminds that the mounting hardships facing the Cuban people also seriously impact CARICOM nationals studying and living in Cuba, whose well-being remains a priority for the Community.

Megawati Sukarnoputri, Chairperson of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle, received the Ambassador of Cuba to Indonesia.

Megawati Sukarnoputri, Fifth President of Indonesia and Chairperson of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), received Dagmar González Grau, Ambassador of Cuba to Indonesia.

The Cuban Ambassador presented her with photographs and film footage of her father, Sukarno—the Father of Indonesian Independence and first president of Indonesia—from his official visit to Cuba in May 1960.

Mr. President, Distinguished Permanent Representatives:

We highly value the leadership of the People’s Republic of China in defending international peace and security, upholding International Law, preserving, strengthening, and appropriately reforming the United Nations Organization — particularly through the democratization, transparency, and effectiveness of the Security Council and the empowerment of the General Assembly — as well as in building a multilateral international order based on sovereign equality, justice, and democracy.

Statement by Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla at the Security Council open debate on “Upholding the Purposes and Principles of the Charter of the United Nations and Strengthening the UN-Centered International System,” New York, May 26, 2026.

Mr. President, Distinguished Permanent Representatives:

I cannot find a way to refer to the defense of the central role of the United Nations and the promotion of peace and development and the primary responsibility of the Security Council in maintaining international peace and security and its contribution to dialogue and the promotion of political solutions; without asking this Security Council to, realistically, at least try to fulfill its primary and supreme mandate regarding the military threat and energy blockade against Cuba; nor can I refrain from encouraging the United Nations General Assembly that, in any case, use with determination its extensive and decisive powers, its moral, legal, and democratic authority that the peoples have conferred upon it, in the situation of Cuba.

Wellington, May 24, 2026.- In 2015 the John Key government announced a cooperation agreement that would see NZ Aid pay for Cuban doctors to be taught English in New Zealand before their deployment to the Pacific Islands as part of the communist island’s Medical Brigades.

Cuba, a country of just 11 million people that has been under continuous US economic sanctions since 1962, has sent more than 400,000 healthcare professionals to 155 countries over the last six and a half decades.

Sometimes, solidarity knows no maps, no borders, nor seas that lie between us. Sometimes, love simply finds a way. And today, that path leads to Cuba. 

With hearts overflowing with gratitude, we want to share some news that fills us with joy. The Breast Prosthesis Foundation, with immense generosity, has sent a priceless donation to our island. 

But this is no ordinary shipment. This donation is a hug, it is hope, it is giving back the chance to look in the mirror with joy to so many women who have faced the bravest fight of all: the battle against breast cancer. 

Statement by Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla at the Security Council’s open debate on "Defending the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and strengthening the international system centered on the UN", New York, 26 May 2026 

Mr. President, distinguished permanent representatives:

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR) expresses its profound concern regarding the ongoing and intensifying economic, commercial, and financial measures imposed upon the Republic of Cuba. The COFCOR reminds that the mounting hardships facing the Cuban people also seriously impact CARICOM nationals studying and living in Cuba, whose well-being remains a priority for the Community.