Cuban statement at the Eurasian Economic Supreme Council

 

Havana, Cuba, Dec 9 (ACN) His Excellency Mr. Sadyr Zhaparov, President of the Kyrgyz Republic;

Your Excellencies, heads of delegations of the member countries of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council;

Dear friends:

I am honored and enthusiastic about the invitation of the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic to participate in this event.
As a small developing state in the insular Caribbean, Cuba highly appreciates the possibility of participating in spaces for trade exchange and coordination that allow us to expand our economic potential together with friendly countries. 

I would like to begin by acknowledging the commendable efforts of the Kyrgyz Republic in its capacity as president pro tempore of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), to ensure the effective functioning of this association during this year. Special mention should be made of the organization of this and other events by the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) and the leadership and organizational work of Mr. Mikhail Miasnikovich as Chairman of the Commission's College.

As an observer state of the Eurasian Economic Union, we intentionally seek to link the potential for cooperation between our country and the member nations of this organization to our development strategies. Under this condition, in the last two years we have witnessed the accelerated pace of integration within the Union. This is reflected in the greater efficiency of the common markets for goods, services and capital.

Today I would like to ratify before you that it is of great interest to Cuba that the countries of the Union participate in our economic and social development in the short, medium and long term, in line with the Economic and Social Development Plan until 2030 and the Economic and Social Strategy to boost the economy and face the global crisis.

So far, our experts have identified broad potentialities and mutual interests in the exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbons, energy, biopharmaceutical and iron and steel industries, agriculture, tourism and transportation.

We reiterate that it is necessary for Cuba to encourage trade in goods and services, particularly the export of Cuban products, based on the national exportable supply and on the basis of mutually advantageous cooperation.

At the same time, it is necessary to know and take advantage of business opportunities focused on the EAEU market. This is strategic for the upward development of relations between the Eurasian Economic Commission and Cuba.

Allow me to acknowledge the active contribution of the EEC in shaping the Road Map for the implementation of the Joint Plan, as well as the preparation of the schedule for holding videoconferences on the topics of interest included in the Plan.

The gradual implementation of this Plan has allowed us to intensify and systematize collaboration between the Union and our country, both at the official level and in business circles. Actions have been carried out in the area of technical regulation, with the aim of increasing the volumes of commercial exchange.

In spite of the logistical and, at the time, epidemiological restrictions, which have limited our face-to-face contacts, it is of great significance that we have been able to consolidate exchanges and consultations through alternative channels between the EEC and the competent authorities of Cuba on technical regulation and the handling of medicines and medical devices. We are hopeful that we will have the possibility of aligning the regulatory framework of the EAEU and Cuba in these areas. All these actions allow us to get ready to hold the third session of the Cuba-CEE Joint Commission in the near future.

Dear colleagues:

 Today at this meeting you have referred to the adverse global environment in which we live, to the dizzying processes of change and crisis that are taking place and that place us before serious challenges to stability in our countries.

 In this complex panorama, some nations are suffering the additional aggression of blockades and other unilateral coercive measures, which are in violation of International Law and the Charter of the United Nations Organization.

On behalf of the people and the Government of the Republic of Cuba, I would like to emphatically thank the support of the member countries of the Union, who expressed their vote last November at the UN General Assembly to put an end to that criminal policy which is the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the Government of the United States of America against Cuba for more than 60 years.

 Faced with the hard challenge of living under harassment, restrictions, threats and all kinds of persecution of our trade, we have not been left alone. Many friendly countries have come to us, ready to collaborate in the most difficult moments.

 In the world there are enough sovereign, independent, dignified States that are willing to develop respectful relations, on an equal footing, with the rest of the nations.

 Now more than ever, the promotion of international economic cooperation with third countries and alliances of integration and strategic association are of special importance.

 Cuba is fully prepared to encourage cooperative relations and promote a higher level of exchange between the members of the EAEU and the nations of Latin America and the Caribbean, our natural region. We have excellent ties with most of its states, including emerging economies such as Brazil, Argentina and Mexico.

During the hard working days of the recently concluded 38th edition, the Havana International Fair, the largest of its kind in the Caribbean, hosted representations of more than 450 foreign companies and the direct participation of businessmen from some 62 countries, 20 of them from Latin America and the Caribbean.

As usual, we also had an important presence of Russian businessmen, with a stand from the Russian Federation.

 We invite the rest of the member countries of the Union to join in future editions of the Havana International Fair, an event that promotes direct business with companies from other nations, thus contributing to a greater insertion of the Cuban economy in the international market.
 It is gratifying to be able to affirm before you that with the invaluable help of friendly countries and with our own efforts we have managed to mitigate the dire consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Overcoming these effects not only allows us to aspire to the achievement of a positive dynamic in trade and economic cooperation between our countries, but also to the development of a new dynamic in the international market.

Excellencies, dear friends:

Before concluding, I would like to confirm once again that for Cuba the deepening of ties with all Eurasian Economic Union states is a priority. That is why we reiterate our willingness to maintain our active participation as an Observer State of the Eurasian Economic Union.

We want to continue traveling this long road together, which will help us to mitigate the impact of blockades and coercive measures, but, above all, will contribute to strengthening the stability of our economies, while contributing to a better management of enterprises and, as a main consequence, to the welfare of the citizens of our countries.

 Committed to the development of cooperation based on principles of equitable dialogue and mutual respect, we are convinced that greater integration will enable our countries to become economically stronger and less dependent on external factors.

 Throughout the history of the Cuban Revolution, the word Cuba has been closely linked in the world to words and concepts such as solidarity, internationalism, humanism, full equality and emancipation.

 As far as the new generation of Cuban leaders is concerned, this will not change no matter how complex the international situation may be. We will continue to work together to find viable and lasting solutions to the serious problems facing the world, solutions that will enable us to strengthen this Union and contribute to the sustainable development of our nations and the prosperity of our nations.
 Thank you very much.