Cuba Reaffirms Strong Ties with Asia and Oceania During Meeting with Regional Diplomats

Havana, The Gulf Observer: Cuba reaffirmed its longstanding friendship and cooperation with the nations of Asia and Oceania during a meeting between Esteban Lazo Hernández, President of the National Assembly of People’s Power and the Council of State, and members of the Diplomatic Corps from the region accredited in Havana.

The meeting underscored the historical, close, and deeply friendly relations that unite Cuba with countries across Asia and Oceania. Addressing the gathering, Esteban Lazo, a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba, described the exchange as a tangible demonstration of the solidarity, fraternity, and mutual respect that characterize Cuba’s relations with these nations.

Lazo highlighted the important role of parliamentary diplomacy in strengthening bilateral relations and fostering cooperation, a view echoed by the heads of the parliamentary friendship groups of the Cuban legislature.

During the meeting, diplomats from Asia and Oceania reiterated their support and solidarity with Cuba in the face of the economic, commercial, financial, and energy blockade imposed by the United States, as well as what they described as increasing pressure and hostile measures against the island nation.

Le Quang Long, Ambassador of Vietnam to Cuba, reaffirmed his country’s continued support for the Cuban people, stressing that Vietnam would remain steadfast in backing Cuba’s efforts to preserve its national independence and self-determination.

Fu Jie, Minister-Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Havana, also reaffirmed the enduring friendship between China and Cuba, stating that the Chinese Party and people would continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with their Cuban counterparts.

Meanwhile, Nívio Leite Magalhães, Ambassador of Timor-Leste, expressed solidarity with Cuba and called for an end to the longstanding blockade, while also advocating for Cuba’s removal from the list of states allegedly sponsoring terrorism.

The event also featured presentations on Cuba’s political and legislative developments. Ana María Mari Machado, Vice-President of the Cuban legislature, outlined the objectives and activities of the popular-participatory movement “Mi Barrio Por La Patria” (“My Neighborhood for the Homeland”).

José Luis Toledo Santander, Secretary of the National Assembly of People’s Power and the Council of State, briefed diplomats on the legislative work undertaken by the Cuban Parliament since the adoption of the Constitution of the Republic on April 10, 2019. He also provided an overview of the Cuban political system and recent parliamentary initiatives.

The gathering was attended by senior Cuban officials, including Alberto Núñez Betancourt, Chair of the International Relations Committee of the National Assembly, and Ariel Lorenzo, Director for Asia and Oceania at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with members of parliament and other distinguished guests.

The meeting reflected Cuba’s continued commitment to strengthening relations with countries across Asia and Oceania and highlighted the importance of international solidarity, parliamentary cooperation, and dialogue in addressing shared challenges and advancing mutual interests.