Bruno and Rania Khalek. Photo: PL

Washington, Oct 5 (RHC) In statements to journalist Rania Khalek of the BreakThroughNews, Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez reiterated Cuba's willingness to dialogue with the U.S. government based on equality and mutual respect.

According to the interview published today, Rodriguez considered 2023 as a year for that additional opportunity because there is an overwhelming consensus among the Cuban people, the majority of Americans and Cuban living in the northern territory, on the mutual benefits for both countries.

He stressed that Cuba is a factor of stability in the region for the prevention of acts of international organized crime, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and terrorism.

The Chancellor also added that both nations share common territories in the Gulf of Mexico, and are neighbors with an important connection in environmental matters, in addition to their peoples enjoying a fantastic influence and strong cultural relationship.

"The Cuban people maintain a friendly attitude towards the Americans because they are aware of the difference between certain policies of the U.S. government and the essence of the soul of the American people," he said.

He pointed out that unfortunately against that desire remains the economic, commercial, and financial blockade and its reinforcement with more than 200 measures by former President Donald Trump, which are still in force and are part of the aggressive behavior against Cuban interests.

He regretted Washington’s decision to continue applying the hostile policy because, he pointed out, the process from 2014 to 2016 is a solid demonstration of the possibility of a relationship that moves toward normality between the two countries.

He noted that despite the restrictions, some attacks on the Cuban embassy in Washington, and the arbitrary and discriminatory decision to close services in the U.S. consulate in Havana, there are some channels of communication such as the positive migration talks, which is a fundamental issue between Cuba and the United States, the foreign minister added.

On the other hand, he assured that next November the international community will again vote almost unanimously at the UN against the US blockade of Cuba, which will mean an endorsement of international law, human rights, freedom of travel, respect for universal regulations for international trade, and free navigation.

Rodriguez said that on that day when the 30th anniversary of this type of event will be celebrated at the UN, the world will also pronounce itself in rejection of the implementation of extraterritorial measures and the aggressive execution of policies against third countries and traders of other nations, such as the Helms-Burton Act.

The Chancellor reiterated in the extensive interview that there is an overwhelming majority in the international community that supports the right of the Cuban people to live in peace without blockades that harm families on both sides of the Florida Straits and restrict the right to freedom of travel of American citizens. (Source: PL)