Mr. President,

My delegation aligns itself with the statements delivered by Uganda, Iraq, and Singapore on behalf of NAM, the G77 and China, and ASEAN, respectively and echoes their principled call to end the embargo against Cuba.

[We would also like to warmly welcome the presence of His Excellency Foreign Minister Eduardo Rodríguez Parrilla of Cuba at this session and thank the Secretary-General for his report on this agenda item.]

The Lao PDR reiterates its unwavering solidarity with the people and Government of Cuba. The embargo, which has remained in place for more than six decades, is in direct contradiction to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and well-established norms of international law. This prolonged and unilateral measure has not only inflicted severe socio-economic consequences on the Cuban people, but also hindered their legitimate right to development, sovereignty, and national self-determination.

At a time when the world is facing unprecedented challenges—from widening inequalities and intensified geopolitical tensions to global health crises and climate related disasters—it is morally indefensible and politically unjustifiable to maintain coercive measures that exacerbate human suffering and restrict inclusive development.

The Lao PDR strongly believes that no country should be denied the opportunity to chart its own development path, free from external pressure, or interference. In this regard, we support the adoption of the resolution under this agenda item, namely Resolution A/80/L.6, and recognise it as a resounding expression of the will of the international community — a consistent call for justice, fairness, and respect for international law. It is through such multilateral actions that we pave the way toward a more peaceful, equitable and just world for all nations, large and small.

Mr. President,

The Lao PDR is of the view that unilateral coercive measures not only contradict the UN Charter and international law, but also hinder sustainable development and impose unjust suffering on innocent people. We must therefore redouble our efforts to foster an enabling environment for peace and development cooperation among all nations.

In this regard, the Lao PDR once again joins the international community in calling for the ending of the economic, commercial and financial embargo against the Republic of Cuba, as well as for the removal of Cuba from the list of “State Sponsors of Terrorism” and the elimination of all unilateral coercive measures imposed on sovereign countries.

In conclusion, the Lao PDR call on all Member States to renew our collective resolve to uphold the Charter of the United Nations, safeguard the sovereign rights of nations, and foster inclusive and sustainable development—especially for countries unjustly affected by coercive measures, and to ensure that the people of Cuba, like all peoples around the world, are given the freedom to thrive and determine their own destiny.

Thank you, Mr. President.