The delegation, which is participating in the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum, held bilateral meetings—at the delegation level—with Om Birla, Speaker of the Lok Sabha (Lower House) of India, and V. V. Volodin, Chairman of the State Duma of Russia.

During these meaningful discussions, the parties addressed topics such as strengthening parliamentary exchanges, capacity building, and cooperation in the fields of healthcare and the pharmaceutical industry.

The unprecedented intensification of the United States’ economic, commercial, and financial blockade against Cuba was also denounced, specifically highlighting an “energy siege” that is negatively impacting the population and the economy of the Caribbean nation.

Nevertheless, it was affirmed that the island—despite the difficulties—continues to work toward its own development. The Caribbean nation also reiterated its desire to join the BRICS as a member state and to continue collaborating with the intergovernmental bloc for the benefit of both the BRICS nations and the Global South.

Subsequently, Ana Maria Mari Machado held talks—at the delegation level—with V. V. Volodin, Chairman of the Russian State Duma, conveying greetings from Esteban Lazo and offering congratulations on recent electoral results.

Furthermore, appreciation was expressed for the consistent statements and the close attention paid to bilateral relations by both the State Duma and the Federation Council, as well as for their support for the just cause of the Cuban people against the genocidal blockade and the energy siege imposed by the United States.

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