Cuban FM criticizes in Russia US sanctions on both countries (+Photos)

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez criticized on Wednesday the unilateral sanctions imposed by the United States on his country and Russia, which directly affect both peoples.

After concluding the bilateral talks with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, Rodriguez told reporters that in his nation, the effect of Washington’s measures has been even harsher in the last few years.

The Cuban foreign minister detailed that Havana’s inclusion in Washington’s State Sponsors of Terrorism (SSOT) list has severe consequences for financial operations and slows national development down in unison.

“For this reason, Cuba condemns with sensitivity and firmness the unilateral sanctions and opposes the policy of isolation that has been implemented against the Russian Federation, including in international organizations,” Rodriguez stressed.

The Cuban diplomat also expressed his Government’s rejection of the expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) toward the Russian border, which has led to the current conflict in Europe, especially between Moscow and Kiev.

The head of Cuban diplomacy advocated a diplomatic, constructive, and realistic solution to the crisis in the region by peaceful means to guarantee the security and sovereignty of all parties involved.

He described the meeting with Lavrov as useful, which took place in an atmosphere of friendship and respect.

The head of the Cuban diplomacy acknowledged the success of the recently concluded BRICS Ministerial Council. The meeting brought together the 10 member countries of the bloc and about twenty nations aligned with the principles of that association.

The Cuban foreign minister also congratulated Lavrov and his accompanying delegation to the talks and the Russian State and its Government, and the people for celebrating Russia Day, the national holiday of the Russian Federation, on June 12.

Rodriguez’s official visit to Russia responds to an invitation by Lavrov after his stay in Havana in April 2023, and more recently on February 19 this year.

Before the bilateral meeting, Rodriguez paid tribute to the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro (1926-2016), at the monument constructed in his honor in the square named after him in Moscow’s Sokol district. Rodríguez also laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a place of tribute to the heroes and martyrs of the Russian people.