Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez pointed out on the social network X that the document adopted in Santa Marta reaffirms the character of Latin America and the Caribbean as a zone of peace, opposed to the use or threat of force and committed to the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law.

Rodriguez stressed that the declaration confirms the need to lift the blockade imposed by Washington, rejects measures with extraterritorial effects and questions the designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism.

However, the minister regretted that the text lacks “a strong denunciation of the offensive and extraordinary military deployment of the United States in the Caribbean Sea, which endangers peace, stability and regional security”, despite having been widely discussed at the summit.

The document also condemns the escalation of violence in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, attacks by Israeli settlers, the expansion of illegal settlements and the military offensive in Gaza.

In terms of development, calls to strengthen bi-regional cooperation against climate change, promote the 2030 Agenda, ensure financing for development and require developed countries to meet their commitments of Official Development Assistance.

Finally, the statement thanked Colombia for its pro tempore presidency and agreed to continue the high-level political dialogue as well as to hold the 5th CELAC-EU Summit in 2027 in Brussels.

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