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Speaking in Havana January 3, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini, criticized the United States blockade of Cuba, noting that it worsens the quality of life for the people of the island.
The Cuban people have not and will not be alone in facing “those who want to build walls and close doors,” noted the EU official during a key note speech at Havana’s San Gerónimo University.
“Regardless of the changes in policy in Washington, the message I am bringing here is that Cuba’s friendship and relationship with the EU is here to stay. It’s solid, it’s stable and it’s reliable,” she noted.
Mogherini went on to explain that «The blockade is not the solution. Europeans have told our American friends many times; we have affirmed it in the United Nations,» where every year the bloc votes in favor of eliminating the hostile policy.
«We know well that the sole effect of the blockade is to worsen the quality of life of women, men and children,» Mogherini stated, who described the blockade as “obsolete and illegal.”
She also highlighted that ties between Cuba and the EU will continue evolving, noting that both parties share similar challenges, aspirations, and principles such as justice, freedom, and solidarity.
Mogherini also mentioned the different causes in which the EU and Cuba have collaborated, such as the fight against Ebola in West Africa, the Paris Climate Change Agreement, and fulfilling the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
Regarding the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement which has been applied on a provisional basis since November 2017, she noted that it represents an opportunity to further develop and increase ties to the same level of the historic, economic, and cultural relations between the EU and Cuba.
According to the EU representative, the Agreement is a solid instrument to further support the social and economic modernization of Cuba and provide new opportunities to increase trade and investment, and find common solutions to global challenges, she stated.
Mogherini also recognized the country’s recovery efforts following Hurricane Irma, and the support of the EU in this regard.
THREE TIMES IN THREE YEARS
The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy is currently on her third visit to Cuba, proof of both parties’ continued interest in strengthening and expanding bilateral, commercial, and cultural ties.
Mogherini, also Vice-President of the European Commission, met with Cuban Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment, Rodrigo Malmierca Díaz, and Culture Minister, Abel Prieto on January 2.
She also visited the new Center for Adolescents, in Old Havana – a collaborative project between the EU, Unicef, and Havana City Historian’s Office.
Later the official visited the Center for the Interpretation of Cultural Relations between Cuba and Europe, based in the Palacio del Segundo Cabo, also in the capital’s historic center.
The EU is Cuba’s second most important trading partner and a key source of tourists and investments.
The application of the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement between the two parties, last November, represents an opportunity to put an end to interventionist policies and develop bilateral relations on the basis of respect, and in adherence to international law and the principles enshrined in the UN Charter.
The instrument is being applied on a provisional basis until it is ratified by the Parliaments of the EU’s 28 member-states.
Despite this, it is the U.S. blockade and is extraterritorial character, which represents the main obstacle to Cuba’s ability to expand economic ties with not only the EU but entire world.
In this regard, Mogherini stated on January 2, that the EU cannot allow its companies to suffer because of unilateral measures, noting that countries within the bloc will continue working to end the blockade.
Meanwhile, today January 4, the EU High Representative is set to meet with Esteban Lazo, President of the National Assembly of People’s Power (Cuban Parliament), and hold an official meeting with the island’s Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla.
