Señor Presidente,

Quisiera saludar al Ministro de Relaciones Exteriores de la Republica de Cuba, el Señor Bruno Eduardo Rodriguez Parilla.

The Philippines aligns itself with the Statements delivered by Indonesia on behalf of ASEAN, by Azerbaijan on behalf of the Non-Alignment Movement (NAM), and by Pakistan, on behalf of G77 and China.

For the 30^th year, we are witnessing today, clear expressions of solidarity with the Cuban people through an overwhelming support for the resolution on the “Necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba.”

The international community, once again, calls for an end to the six-decade embargo, an unjust and unjustified economic sanctions policy.

It is also the 30^th consecutive year that the Philippines will support this resolution, and the seventh year that ASEAN has made a statement on this important issue before the General Assembly.

Mr. President,

The extra-territorial nature of the blockade continues to intensify, exacerbated by the U.S. decision to include Cuba in the List of State Sponsors of Terrorism.

It has been reported that, at current prices, damages to Cuba’s economy during six decades of implementing this policy have reached over USD150.4 billion[1]; around USD3.8 billion between August 2021 and February 2022.

Mr. President,

The blockade presents a main obstacle for Cuba’s socio-economic development.

It poses a serious challenge for Cuba’s implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

It violates international law.

It is contrary to the principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter.

With cultural and economic ties dating as far back as the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade in the early 16^th century, Cuba and its people will always have the support of the Philippines.

The United States should lift the embargo against Cuba, unconditionally, once and for all.

Thank you, Mr. President.  END