Cuba Deems As Vital to Advance in CELAC-EU Cooperation

Cuban Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Abelardo Moreno today deemed as vital to advance in cooperation between the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the European Union (EU) despite the differences between the two regions.

When speaking at the second CELAC-EU ministerial meeting, the Vice Minister assured that it is possible to identify points of convergence such as the proliferation of protectionist measures, the extraterritorial application of national legislations and the defense of multilateralism.

'We work on the issues of women, children, climate change and drugs, the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, and even, the negotiation of a World Agreement for a safe, regular and orderly migration,' he urged. Moreno stressed CELAC is willing to strengthen cooperation with the EU 'under the guidance of the Proclamation of Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace, and with due respect for our diversity.'

He likewise indicated, 'policies that proliferate today in violation of international law constitute an affront to humanity,' and also recalled that waves of refugees and migrants face situations of high vulnerability.

On Monday, the meeting began in Brussels, which will last two days with the participation of senior representatives of the 33 member countries of CELAC and 28 of the EU.