Havana, December 8 (RHC)-- Cuba reaffirmed its commitment to solidarity and integration with the countries of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) on the 49th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

On the occasion of the anniversary, President Miguel Díaz-Canel evoked a thought of historic Cuban leader Fidel Castro, who inspired ties with the nations of the Antilles.

We support the efforts of our Caribbean brothers to consolidate their regional integration, and, as always, Cuba is ready to offer its modest cooperation, the President tweeted.

The people of the Caribbean Community will always be able to count on Cuba's respect and friendship, Díaz-Canel quoted Fidel Castro on the social network.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, the Hon Gaston Browne, in his capacity of Chairman of CARICOM, issued a statement, recalling the symbolic and courageous historic act of Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago on December 8, 1972.

He added that it has evolved into a fruitful and mutually beneficial relationship based on solidarity over the years.

In his Statement, CARICOM Chairman stressed that member states of the Community place great value on the firm and enduring bonds between CARICOM and Cuba, and the excellent spirit of cooperation that has been of great assistance, both bilaterally and regionally, particularly with regard to human capacity building and the provision of health care, critical inputs to improving the welfare of our people.

Regarding the latter, Prime Minister Browne highlighted the Cuban government provision of public health personnel to Caribbean nations to reinforce their response capacity in addressing the public health challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He described that assistance as a vivid example of Cuba's continuing solidarity in the face of its own challenges, arising from the longstanding and universally-condemned US embargo.