Cuba will not waver in its commitment to defending its independence and sovereignty despite constant external pressure, Rodriguez stated at the 10th Summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) held in Colombia.

The Herald emphasized the statement made by the Cuban foreign minister, who noted, “Without hesitation or conditions, we have firmly defended sovereign equality and collective independence, and we have boosted the principle of unity in diversity within our Community.”

Rodriguez denounced, in the article, the White House for maintaining the decades-long economic blockade against the island for over 60 years, which he described as illegal and cruel.

The diplomat noted that the Caribbean nation had managed to mitigate the worst impacts of the sanctions thanks to the resilience, awareness, and unity of its people, as well as the economic measures implemented by the government.

Despite the tense relations, Rodriguez stated that, loyal to our tradition, we are willing to hold talks with Washington based on equality, mutual respect, reciprocal benefit, international law, and without interference in internal affairs.

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