Photo: Revolution Studios

Brussels, Belgium- July 17 (RHC)-- The agenda of President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez began on Monday with a meeting between dear friends of the Caribbean, in Brussels, in the context of the III Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the European Union.

As is customary between both dignitaries, every time they meet, the greeting was the strong embrace that symbolizes the respect, admiration and affection that unite both governments and peoples.

Díaz-Canel expressed his satisfaction for the opportunity to hold this Caribbean meeting, between brothers: "For us it is important to ratify, once again, that we are at your disposal to support the pro tempore presidency of CELAC, which you are developing, and that we will do everything possible to make it as successful as expected".

At the meeting, which was attended by members of the official delegations of both countries attending the bi-regional Summit, the Cuban President said it was significant that a Caribbean nation such as St. Vincent and the Grenadines occupies the leadership of CELAC, a mechanism that brings together 33 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Likewise, the Cuban President conveyed his congratulations "on the 50th anniversary of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)"; and expressed his gratitude that "at the 45th Summit of that mechanism there was also, once again, support for the Cuban struggle against the blockade".

Later, referring to the bilateral ties with St. Vincent and the Grenadines, he assured that "we are personally following up with the Council of Ministers on everything we agreed on during the memorable visit we made to St. Vincent and also on everything we agreed on during the Cuba-CARICOM Summit held in Barbados".

In his exchange with Ralph Gonsalves and his delegation, the Cuban leader emphasized that for his country, as well as for St. Vincent and the Grenadines, it is very important to hold the Summit between CELAC and the European Union.

"Cuba comes with a positive and constructive position, and we want to avoid singular treatments in the Summit, that the issues that are important for CELAC are not taken into account and that collateral issues that are more European than ours are introduced. I believe that, above all, what we have to work on is the things that unite us and seek to reach agreements that benefit the peoples of Latin America and the Caribbean", said the President.

For his part, Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, ratified his government's willingness to promote the work of CELAC as representative of the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean in the different international scenarios.

Likewise, he reiterated his nation's commitment to continue strengthening bilateral relations with sisterly Cuba, in terms of cooperation, a country intertwined by its roots and history.

At the end of the meeting, in statements to the press, President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez conveyed a message of brotherhood "to the friendly people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines" and to all the Caribbean nations that unite us. (Source: Radio Rebelde)