Ansar M Bhatti
ISLAMABAD, OCT 27 /DNA/ – Cuba’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Damian Cordero Torres, has lauded Pakistan’s consistent support for Cuba at international forums, particularly at the United Nations, while calling for an end to the decades-old United States embargo that Havana says has severely impacted the country’s economy, healthcare system, and energy sector.
Addressing a press briefing in Islamabad ahead of the annual United Nations General Assembly vote on a resolution calling for the lifting of the US embargo on Cuba, Ambassador Damian devoted significant attention to Pakistan-Cuba relations, describing them as historic, friendly, and rooted in mutual respect and solidarity.
The Cuban envoy thanked the Government of Pakistan for its continued support at the United Nations, where Islamabad has consistently voted in favor of resolutions opposing the embargo. The ambassador said Cuba deeply values Pakistan’s principled stance, which is based on respect for the UN Charter, international law, state sovereignty, and non-interference in the internal affairs of countries.
“Pakistan has always stood by Cuba on international issues and has consistently supported our position at the United Nations. We highly appreciate this friendship and solidarity,” the ambassador said.
Recalling Cuba’s humanitarian assistance to Pakistan following the devastating 2005 earthquake, Ambassador González Grau said the bond between the two countries remains strong because both nations have demonstrated solidarity in times of need. The ambassador noted that during visits to Mansehra and Balakot, areas heavily affected by the earthquake, local residents still remembered and appreciated the contribution of Cuban medical teams who served in Pakistan during one of the country’s most difficult periods.
“I was able to visit Mansehra and Balakot and saw with my own eyes that people have not forgotten Cuba’s support. Pakistan never forgets its friends, and Cuba never forgets Pakistan’s solidarity,” the ambassador remarked.
The briefing primarily focused on the impact of the US embargo on Cuba. Ambassador said economic restrictions and financial sanctions have significantly constrained Cuba’s ability to import essential goods, including medicines, fuel, and medical equipment.
The envoy stated that persistent electricity shortages caused by fuel constraints have affected hospitals and healthcare facilities across the island. According to the ambassador, thousands of surgical procedures remain delayed because hospitals are unable to operate at full capacity due to power shortages and limited resources.
The ambassador said Cuba, once known for producing medicines domestically and providing medical assistance to other countries, is now struggling to meet its own pharmaceutical needs. More than 100,000 surgeries are reportedly awaiting scheduling, while many cancer patients are facing difficulties obtaining first-line treatments.
Despite these challenges, the ambassador insisted that Cuba remains committed to maintaining its public healthcare and social welfare systems.
Criticizing Washington’s policy toward Havana, the ambassador argued that the embargo is designed to isolate Cuba economically and financially. The envoy also rejected allegations that Cuba sponsors terrorism, describing such claims as politically motivated and inconsistent with Cuba’s longstanding support for diplomacy and international cooperation.
“The Cuban people have suffered the consequences of these policies for more than six decades. Cuba believes in dialogue and mutual respect, but such engagement must be based on equality and recognition of our sovereignty,” the ambassador said.
Responding to questions about whether countries such as Pakistan, China, or Russia could help mediate between Cuba and the United States, the ambassador said the issue ultimately depends on decisions taken in Washington and Havana.
“This is fundamentally a bilateral matter between Cuba and the United States. We are prepared to engage in dialogue, but discussions must take place in an atmosphere of mutual respect and without coercion,” the envoy said.
The ambassador acknowledged assistance provided by countries including China, Russia, and Mexico during Cuba’s recent economic and energy difficulties. The envoy noted that Russia had supplied oil shipments while other partners had provided support in energy-related projects.
However, the ambassador emphasized that Cuba is also pursuing domestic reforms, including economic liberalization measures aimed at attracting foreign investment and increasing economic activity.
Looking ahead to the upcoming UN General Assembly vote, Ambassador Damian expressed confidence that the international community would once again overwhelmingly support Cuba’s position. The envoy argued that the annual vote has become a symbol of international opposition to unilateral coercive measures and support for multilateralism.
Concluding the briefing, the ambassador urged journalists and the international community to continue highlighting the humanitarian impact of the embargo while strengthening people-to-people ties between Pakistan and Cuba.
“The friendship between Pakistan and Cuba remains strong and continues to grow. We are grateful for Pakistan’s support and look forward to further expanding cooperation in education, healthcare, diplomacy, and international affairs,” the ambassador said.
