The US embargo policy caused Cuba a record loss of 7.56 billion USD.

Mr. Rogelio Polanco Fuentes, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Cuba to Vietnam, chaired the press conference. (Photo: Embassy of Cuba in Vietnam)

In his speech, Cuban Ambassador to Vietnam, Rogelio Polanco Fuentes, emphasized that the embargo policy that has lasted for more than six decades is the biggest obstacle to Cuba's development, causing serious damage to the economy and people's lives. He said that from March 2024 to February 2025 alone, the damage caused by the embargo measures has reached 7.56 billion USD, an increase of about 49% compared to the previous year, the highest level in many years.

“On behalf of the State, Government, Communist Party and people of Cuba, I would like to express my deep gratitude to the Party, State, Government and people of Vietnam for their consistent, steadfast and sincere support over the years. Vietnam has not only demonstrated political and moral solidarity, but also taken concrete actions, typically the recent support campaign for Cuba launched by the Red Cross, the Fatherland Front and Vietnamese socio-political organizations. At a time when the world is preparing to once again speak out strongly against the unjust embargo, allow me to send to the Vietnamese people, leaders and all peace- loving people the most sincere gratitude of the Cuban people,” the Ambassador emphasized.

The Ambassador then said that the UN General Assembly will discuss and vote on this resolution on October 28 and 29, marking the 34th time Cuba has submitted a document calling for an end to the blockade policy since 1992. He expressed his belief that the international community will continue to show strong consensus in supporting the removal of unilateral and unreasonable blockade and embargo measures.

The ambassador also stressed that the US embargo is a “serious and systematic violation of the fundamental human rights of the Cuban people”, affirming that this is the longest-lasting, most comprehensive and severe system of unilateral coercive measures in modern history. According to him, these measures have suffocated the economy, hindering Cuba’s access to medicines, medical materials, energy, international credit and foreign investment.

In addition, the Ambassador pointed out that Cuba's return to the US State Department's "list of countries accused of sponsoring terrorism" has caused serious consequences, causing Cuba to be restricted in financial transactions, lose access to international capital sources and suffer losses in many essential areas such as health, energy and agriculture.

In terms of foreign affairs, Ambassador Rogelio Polanco Fuentes affirmed that Cuba always shows goodwill for dialogue and wishes to build equal and mutually beneficial relations with the United States, on the basis of respecting national sovereignty, international law and the legitimate interests of each side.

“However, it is the United States that has repeatedly interrupted and destroyed opportunities for cooperation that could have brought mutual benefits. Nevertheless, in the context of global geopolitical tensions and while the blockade and embargo against our country are increasingly tightened, Cuba still firmly affirms its goodwill and readiness to engage in sovereign dialogue, in all possible fields, with the current US administration. This must be conducted on the basis of mutual respect, without violating national sovereignty,” the Ambassador affirmed.

Facing the harsh pressures of the embargo policy, Cuba is still like a pearl in the ocean, the more it is battered by the sands of time, the more it shines with the beauty of its resilient will and desire for freedom.

KHAC KIEN

Source: https://nhandan.vn/chinh-sach-bao-vay-cam-van-cua-my-lam-cuba-thiet-hai-ky-luc-756-ty-usd-post918715.html