Caracas, 19 June (RHC)-- Venezuela welcomed the incorporation of China as an observer member of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) during the conclusion of the XXV Ordinary Meeting of the Ministerial Council.

In endorsing the proposal, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza said that this strategic association could add capacities and provide guidance for the strengthening of this regional integration group.

During the meeting, which was held virtually, Arreaza reiterated the call to continue promoting peaceful diplomacy and said that Venezuela and the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America-People's Trade Treaty (ALBA TCP) will continue to work towards strengthening the ACS.

He also thanked the member states of the regional entity for their support and solidarity with Cuba and Venezuela following the intensification of unilateral coercive measures imposed by the government of the United States in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He stressed to his counterparts in the Caribbean that this Association is key to face the challenges posed by the new coronavirus that is sweeping through humanity, because its spirit is one of solidarity and cooperation.

He recalled that Washington's coercive measures not only affect the Venezuelan people but also several Caribbean States through PetroCaribe, an initiative of Commander Hugo Chávez that has not been able to fully contribute to development, given the restrictive measures imposed by the blockade.

The diplomat said that at this time when the effects of COVID-19 do not respect borders or ideologies and threaten everyone equally, the world is rediscovering the strengths of humanity, the capacities of solidarity of the peoples.

The challenges of the moment, the Venzuelan top diplomat said, demonstrate the importance of the ACS as a body for consultation, agreement and cooperation in order to advance in the unity and integration of Caribbean.