The statement was part of Holguin’s speech at the 22nd Meeting of Foreign Ministers of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), which is being held in this capital.

The foreign minister highlighted the importance of the next stage of the bloc, taking into account that the region is facing the worst economic crisis due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with a historic contraction of GDP and a sharp drop in employment.

“The adverse circumstances in Latin America and the Caribbean under the pandemic led us to rethink CELAC goals and we can say, with certainty, that the exercise was positive,” he said and insisted on the coordinated, convergent and deep integration work.

He also considered it is essential not to stop cooperation for greater access to Covid-19 vaccines for the immunization of populations, something fundamental in the effort for the takeoff of finances.

“We urge CELAC to continue advocating for universal, equitable and timely access, not only to vaccines, but also to other medicines in the face of health crises in our countries,” he said.

He also considered it relevant to move forward regarding transfer of technology to start the production of vaccines against the pandemic, an issue already addressed by the outgoing and incoming presidencies.

pgh/aph/gas/scm