From Havana, Cuba sent a message of greetings to the Eurasian Intergovernmental Economic Council, reaffirming its commitment to the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) despite damage from Hurricane Melissa. The message expresses gratitude for international support and highlights key areas of cooperation. It stresses the need for financial integration to overcome barriers from the US blockade.
Cuba participated virtually in the session of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Economic Council, hosted by Russia and presided over pro tempore by Belarus. The message from Havana greets the Russian people and government and thanks for the invitation to strengthen ties with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), its Member States, and observers.
The physical absence is due to the recent Hurricane Melissa, which damaged the National Power Grid, over 100,000 homes, roads, and 168,193 hectares of crops in the eastern provinces. Cuba is in the recovery phase, showing resilience with international aid, including from EAEU countries.
Gratitude is expressed to the Union governments for supporting the UN resolution on October 29, which for the thirty-third time demands an end to the US economic, commercial, and financial blockade against Cuba, despite pressures from the current US administration. Appreciation is also noted for rejecting Cuba's inclusion on the spurious list of state sponsors of terrorism.
New measures by the Trump administration in its second term aim to economically strangle Cuba, targeting income sources, supplies, and particularly fuel. Despite these adversities, Cuba advances its development strategy, prioritizing human development, equity, social justice, and environmental sustainability, along with a government program to correct distortions and revitalize the economy, incentivizing business and foreign investment through a recently announced Plan of Measures.
In the 4th session of the Joint Commission between the Eurasian Economic Commission and the Cuban Government, held at the Havana International Fair, key actions were identified: practical implementation of a logistics hub in Cuba as a bridge to Latin America and the Caribbean; health tourism; food and energy security; business cooperation; and the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry, progressing on regulatory issues and joint vaccine production.
Advancing financial integration is crucial to strengthen interbank links and explore payment mechanisms overcoming dollar-dominated barriers. The Main Guidelines for Cooperation in Sport, approved in Minsk in June, offer opportunities in sports industry services, including tourism, medicine, and joint forums.
As an Observer State, Cuba sees great potential for concrete actions at the Union level, aligned with national development objectives and benefiting peoples, built on a history of friendship. Confidence is expressed in a cooperation model prioritizing human development and sovereignty over coercion and economic pressure, extending best wishes for progress in 2026.
