“We firmly denounce the energy blockade, which attempts to cause a humanitarian crisis to destabilize our country,” Polanco said at a press briefing in the Cohiba Room at the ambassador’s residence in Hanoi.

The ambassador added, in the presence of other members of the state mission and journalists from both domestic and foreign media outlets, including Prensa Latina, “Cuba is not a threat; the blockade is the threat. As a peace-loving nation, Cuba will continue to make every effort to guarantee its independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.”

Referring to the overwhelming solidarity governments and peoples show against this stifling policy, implemented with unprecedented severity by the current US administration, the diplomat acknowledged the support of the Vietnamese Communist Party, the State, the Government, and the people.

He also highlighted that Vietnam’s successful Renewal process, known as Do Moi, is a valuable model for overcoming difficulties caused by US hostility and for advancing toward development through ongoing economic and social transformations.

“Amid a complex scenario of an energy siege and an unprecedented tightening of the US blockade, we have not simply sat back waiting for these sanctions to be eased or lifted,” the ambassador continued, and noted that the transformations is aimed at increasing national wealth, prosperity, and the well-being of the Cuban people.

Polanco explained that the damage affects every sector and has direct consequences for the population’s quality of life and human rights.

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