Cuba Rejects Isolationist Positions Promoted at the XXIX Ibero-American Summit

Rodolfo Benítez, head of the Cuban delegation to the meeting of Foreign Ministers of the XXIX Ibero-American Summit in Cuenca, Ecuador. Photo: X/ @letraconfilo60

November 16, 2024 Hour: 6:51 pm

The Cuban delegation rejected the isolationist positions promoted at the XXIX Ibero-American Summit of Heads of State and Government, and reiterated its demand that the United States Government lift the blockade imposed on the island for more than 60 years.

“The peoples demand more multilateralism and less hegemony. Greater solidarity and non-interference. More cooperation and dialogue instead of unilateral coercive measures”, said the head of the Cuban delegation to the Summit, Rodolfo Benítez.

The Cuban government representative denounced that in the case of the Caribbean island, “In addition to common challenges, the main obstacle to our well-being and development is added by the criminal blockade of the United States and the infamous inclusion of the country on the arbitrary and unilateral List of States that allegedly sponsor terrorism.”

#Cuba at the Ibero-American Summit reiterated its commitment to that space, where we share identity and history, aspirations and challenges.
"We will continue to contribute to strengthening the Conference, based on inclusiveness, solidarity and mutual respect." https://t.co/yQfdHxlAnN
— Cuba Business Report (@CubaReport) November 16, 2024

Benítez warned that the Ibero-American Conference faces important risks, such as the isolated position of Argentina, which cannot force the Summit to silence issues of relevance to Ibero-America including women’s rights, rejection of the US blockade against Cuba and the confrontation with terrorism and hate speech.

In this regard, the Cuban representative at the Summit said “Nor is it acceptable that Argentina should be allowed to weaken long-standing Ibero-American positions on gender equality, the confrontation with climate change and the commitment to the 2030 Agenda.”

Benitez also highlighted the importance of preserve the “historical heritage” of the Ibero-American Conference, with more than 30 years of consensus built as a result of a joint effort and called to discourage the isolationist behaviour, which is “intended to fracture historical positions and weaken the multilateral forum.”