Vidal emphasized the importance of developing international trade relations without “special and differential treatment for developing countries, with emphasis on Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States.”

“We live in a very complex international context, marked by the effects of a multidimensional global crisis, exacerbated by the effects of wars and conflicts in various forms, and by the application of unilateral coercive measures contrary to International Law.”

Vidal remembered that Cuba is developing its economic, social, and cooperation programs amid a prolonged, unjust, and illegal economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States for more than 60 years, with a marked extraterritorial nature, which causes considerable damage to its people and its ties with the world.

The senior official also thanked the countries participating in this meeting for their rejection of Cuba’s inclusion on the arbitrary and unilateral list of states that allegedly sponsor terrorism.

The Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister warned the participants in this meeting that “a grave danger that could have incalculable consequences for our region” currently looms over Latin America and the Caribbean, referring to the aggressive actions of the U.S. government against Venezuela.

The results of this conference, an expression of Italy’s desire to continue fostering its relations with Latin America and the Caribbean, will contribute to strengthening cooperation between the European Union and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), shortly before the Fourth Summit in Santa Marta, Colombia, on November 9 and 10, he added.

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