Havana, March 12 (RHC)— The Cuban Foreign Ministry announced on Thursday the postponement of the IV Conference the Nation and Emigration. Text issued by the Foreign Ministry follows.

(RHC Translation)

Following the announcement made by President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez on December 10, 2019, in Argentina, in connection with the holding of the Fourth Conference on Nation and Emigration, intense and uninterrupted preparatory work has been carried out for this event, to continue to strengthen Cuba's ties with its nationals abroad.

Unfortunately, in this context, a difficult international epidemiological situation has arisen as a result of the growing and accelerated expansion of the new coronavirus (SARS CoV 2/COVID-19), of which cases have already been detected in more than one hundred countries.

In view of the entry of the new coronavirus into the country, as national and international public opinion has been informed, our government is taking the necessary measures in order to deal with this contingency as effectively as possible.

Taking into consideration the above elements, and paying special attention to the criteria and concerns conveyed by guests at the event, the vast majority of whom reside in 39 countries where cases of the new coronavirus have been detected to date, it has been decided to postpone the holding of the IV Conference "The Nation and Emigration."

The Cuban government is grateful to all Cuban citizens and their descendants who confirmed their attendance, as well as the support received from them for the successful celebration of this important event.

At the same time, it reiterates its willingness to strengthen ties with its nationals abroad, to foster a broader and more fruitful exchange, and to work together for the independence, development, and well-being of the Homeland.

The new date of this event will be informed in due course.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cuba

March 12, 2020