Vietnam Joins Global Calls for Lifting of US Sanctions Against Cuba
Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: Vietnam has joined the international community in calling for the immediate, complete and unconditional lifting of the United States’ economic, trade and financial embargo against Cuba, reiterating its support for the Caribbean nation at the United Nations General Assembly.
The appeal was made by Minister Counsellor Nguyen Hai Luu, Deputy Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations, during the annual debate of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, held in New York on October 27–28, under the agenda item concerning the need to end the US embargo against Cuba.
Nguyen Hai Luu reaffirmed Vietnam’s consistent position that the embargo, including measures with extraterritorial effects, should be brought to an end without delay. He expressed concern over the economic and social difficulties facing the Cuban people, particularly restrictions on energy supplies that have disrupted the functioning of hospitals, schools, water supply systems, food production and transportation, while also impeding humanitarian assistance.
The Vietnamese representative stressed the importance of respecting Cuba’s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence and the right of its people to determine their own development path without external interference or coercion.
He further emphasised that differences between countries should be resolved through dialogue and peaceful diplomatic means, based on mutual respect and in accordance with the United Nations Charter and international law.
Reiterating the position expressed by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam during the high-level general debate of the 81st UN General Assembly in September 2026, Vietnam called for an end to the embargo, sanctions and restrictions on energy supplies to Cuba. It also urged the removal of Cuba from the US list of state sponsors of terrorism.
During the debate, representatives of numerous countries and regional and international organisations, including the Non-Aligned Movement, the Group of 77 and China, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the African Group, voiced concern over the embargo’s impact on Cuba’s economy and the daily lives of its people.
Delegates highlighted how restrictions on fuel supplies, financial transactions and international trade have compounded difficulties in essential sectors, including healthcare, education, electricity generation and food production, while hindering the country’s sustainable development efforts.
Vietnam also reaffirmed its longstanding friendship and solidarity with Cuba, recalling the support Cuba had extended to Vietnam during difficult periods in its history. Hanoi continues to promote practical cooperation with Havana, particularly in food security, through assistance in rice and maize production and aquaculture development.
Vietnam called on UN member states, the United Nations system and international partners to maintain their support for Cuba as it addresses current challenges and pursues its sustainable development objectives.
At the conclusion of the debate, the UN General Assembly adopted its annual resolution calling for an end to the US embargo against Cuba. The resolution, first considered in 1992, upholds the principles of sovereign equality, non-interference in the internal affairs of states and freedom of international trade and navigation. It calls on countries to refrain from adopting or applying embargo measures that are inconsistent with the UN Charter and international law.
