“Cuba will continue working from the presidency of the Ministerial Council of the Association, with the purpose of strengthening this mechanism and joining forces to confront collective challenges,” the President of the Councils of State and Ministers, Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, stated on concluding the 7th ACS Summit in Havana this Saturday 4.
Before starting his speech, the Cuban President sent condolences to the family of Boxing Champion Muhammad Ali, who passed away last night, and extended greetings to the African American community in the United States, for whom the athlete always fought. He also recalled Ali's friendship with the leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro.
Returning to the theme of the Summit, Raúl noted that the ACS was founded in 1994, created to unite the family of Caribbean nations, and recognized the contribution of all its founding members as well as those who have since joined.
This Summit demonstrates the interest in the Caribbean, the Head of State stressed.
At another point, Raúl noted that the Havana Declaration and Plan of Action 2016-2018, as well as the discussions held as part of the Summit, demonstrated the ability to address critical issues for our peoples, which, in his opinion, is essential to continue progressing in terms of cooperation.
“The Summit ending today shows the capacity of our region to sustain a dialogue, and coordinate positions on the common problems and challenges we face, and to persevere in our quest for solutions appropriate to the conditions, necessities and priorities of the region,” the Cuban President stressed.
The Army General also pointed out that peace, stability, defending the interests of our peoples and the exercise of sovereignty and self-determination without external interference, are essential to advance the outlined cooperation goals.
“The current juncture makes us to wonder, how can we consolidate what has been achieved so far and keep moving on?” Raúl asked, noting “Due to the experience of the lost decade, we are all aware that a new neoliberal wave, which dismantles inclusive social policies; increases poverty, inequality and market deregulation; neglects environmental protection, and diminishes the role of the State will prevent us from fulfilling the objectives of regional integration and cooperation that we aspire to conquer.”
At another point, he highlighted the contribution of Alfonso Múnera as ACS Secretary General “to the bolstering of the Secretariat and the labors of the ACS during his term in office.”
Raúl concluded, “From next August that effort will be guided by Ambassador June Soomer, whom we congratulate again for her election and reiterate our support.”
The full speech is available here: http://www.minrex.gob.cu/en/remarks-president-cuba-raul-castro-closing-session-7th-acs-summit
The Havana Declaration can be viewed here: http://www.minrex.gob.cu/en/havana-declaration
The Plan of Action 2016-2018 can be viewed here: http://www.minrex.gob.cu/en/plan-action-2016-2018
