Mr. President;
We would like to express our recognition for the work carried out by the Cooperative Republic of Guyana as President of the Group of 77 plus China and congratulate the Republic of Guinea for its election as the next President of the Group, while reassuring Cuba’s support to its work.
The world is facing one of the worst crises of the last one hundred years, exacerbated by the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the economic recession it has caused and the worsening of the already existing profound inequalities.
The obstacles to development are perpetuating as a result of an unjust and anti-democratic international economic order. Climate change and the irrational and unsustainable production and consumption patterns of capitalism are threatening the survival of all.
The increasing foreign debt of developing countries, which is unpayable and uncollectable, should be condoned.
There are continued attempts to undermine multilateralism and the principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter. Non-conventional wars as well as unilateral coercive measures contravening International Law proliferate.
Mr. President;
The blockade imposed by the government of the United States against Cuba, which has been brutally tightened during the last two years, even in times of the pandemic, is a real impediment to the development of my country. It seeks to strangle our trade and prevent our country’s access to fuel and hard currency.
Despite this colossal challenge, Cuba has developed a strategy for the control and confrontation of the COVID-19 pandemic based on its unique and inclusive health care system, which is accessible and offered free of charge to all. The support of our people and the development of Cuba’s science, technology and bio-pharmaceutical industry have been crucial. Our country is currently working on two vaccine candidates.
At the same time, we have made a modest contribution by sending 53 medical brigades to cooperate with national efforts to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic in 39 countries and territories, which have joined the Cuban health staff that were already offering their services in 59 nations. Cuba will never abandon its fraternal and humanistic vocation, despite the cynical disparagement campaign launched by the government of the United States against our international medical cooperation.
Mr. President;
We reaffirm our commitment to the Group of 77 plus China. We appreciate the support of its members, particularly in the struggle for the lifting of the blockade.
Let us continue working together for our peoples’ right to self-determination and development and a more just and equitable international order.
Thank you, very much.
(Cubaminrex - EmbaCuba-Polonia)