Indonesia: Diplomat highlights ASEAN’s defense of Cuban sovereignty

In a significant diplomatic gathering, Ambassador Gonzalez emphasized ASEAN’s unwavering support for Cuba’s annual resolution at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), which calls for the termination of the United States’ economic, financial, and commercial blockade. The ambassador’s remarks were delivered during a meeting with ASEAN member country representatives, attended by Deputy Secretary-General Nararya Soepaptro, at Jakarta’s Ciputra Hotel. This event coincided with the 5th anniversary of Cuba’s accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC). Gonzalez highlighted that November 10 marked a pivotal moment in Cuba’s diplomatic history, symbolizing a new era of relations with ASEAN based on mutual respect, solidarity, and peaceful cooperation. She stressed that the TAC signing was not merely symbolic but a robust affirmation of principles, making Cuba the first Caribbean nation and the fifth in Latin America to join the treaty. This move, she noted, reinforced Cuba’s dedication to multilateralism, non-intervention, and conflict resolution. Gonzalez also pointed out that the treaty’s signing during the Covid-19 pandemic demonstrated Cuba’s commitment to addressing shared global challenges such as public health, climate change, and natural disasters.