“We will move forward with the solidarity and support of the international community, including the EAEU member and observer countries,” Orta said during an expanded meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council (EIC) in Cholpon-Ata, on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul.

The diplomat added that the Cuban people are facing an unprecedented challenge from the United States and thanked the EAEU members for their multilateral support of Havana.

The EAEU is an economic alliance comprised of Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia, while Cuba, Iran, Moldova, and Uzbekistan participate as observer countries. The Caribbean nation has held that status since 2020.

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on January 29 authorizing tariffs on imports from countries that supply oil to Cuba, and also declared a national emergency due to a supposed security threat emanating from the island.

The measure has further exacerbated fuel shortages in Havana, impacting transportation, food production, healthcare, and education.

Cuba affirms that Washington is using sanctions and the energy siege to stifle its economy and make living conditions unbearable for its population.

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