He made this statement to Prensa Latina following the group’s eighth regional meeting in the Uruguayan capital, which brought together in-person delegates from nine countries alongside virtual contributions from others.

Portuondo noted that the forum was held as an extraordinary session due to the difficult conditions imposed by the United States’ intensified blockade against the island.

It also addressed the set of measures adopted by the Cuban government which, among other goals, encourage the participation of the diaspora in the transformation and recovery of the economy.

“I believe that holding this regional meeting in Uruguay comes at an opportune moment, when—more than ever—there has been a call for Cubans abroad to contribute in any area: economic, political, social, cultural, or athletic,” he remarked.

He emphasized that the Montevideo forum served to “strengthen and amplify the call issued by the top leadership of the Cuban Revolution.”

“We Cubans living anywhere in the world today have a responsibility to participate in our country’s transformation, to strengthen socialism, and to help implement the measures adopted by the government,” he stated.

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