Islamabad, October 28, 2026 – The Europe Today: Cuba’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Damian Cordero Torres, has lauded Pakistan’s consistent support for Cuba at international forums, particularly at the United Nations, while calling for an end to the decades-old United States embargo, which Havana says has severely affected the country’s economy, healthcare system and energy sector.
Addressing a press briefing in Islamabad ahead of the annual United Nations General Assembly vote on a resolution calling for the lifting of the US embargo on Cuba, Ambassador Cordero Torres described Pakistan-Cuba relations as historic, friendly, and rooted in mutual respect and solidarity.
The envoy thanked the Government of Pakistan for consistently voting in favour of UN resolutions opposing the embargo, stating that Cuba deeply values Pakistan’s principled stance based on respect for the UN Charter, international law, state sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of states.
“Pakistan has always stood by Cuba on international issues and has consistently supported our position at the United Nations. We highly appreciate this friendship and solidarity,” the ambassador said.
Recalling Cuba’s humanitarian assistance following the devastating 2005 earthquake, the ambassador said that during his visits to Mansehra and Balakot, local residents still remembered the contribution of Cuban medical teams who served in Pakistan during one of its most difficult periods.
“I was able to visit Mansehra and Balakot and saw with my own eyes that people have not forgotten Cuba’s support. Pakistan never forgets its friends, and Cuba never forgets Pakistan’s solidarity,” he remarked.
Focusing on the impact of the embargo, the ambassador said economic restrictions and financial sanctions have significantly constrained Cuba’s ability to import essential goods, including medicines, fuel and medical equipment. He stated that persistent electricity shortages caused by fuel constraints have affected hospitals across the island, leaving more than 100,000 surgeries awaiting scheduling, while many cancer patients face difficulties in obtaining first-line treatments.
He said Cuba, once known for producing its own medicines and extending medical assistance to other countries, is now struggling to meet its own pharmaceutical needs. Despite these challenges, he affirmed that Cuba remains committed to maintaining its public healthcare and social welfare systems.
Criticising Washington’s policy, the ambassador argued that the embargo is designed to isolate Cuba economically and financially, and rejected allegations that Cuba sponsors terrorism, terming them politically motivated.
“The Cuban people have suffered the consequences of these policies for more than six decades. Cuba believes in dialogue and mutual respect, but such engagement must be based on equality and recognition of our sovereignty,” he said.
Responding to a question on whether countries such as Pakistan, China or Russia could mediate between Cuba and the United States, the envoy said the matter was fundamentally bilateral. “We are prepared to engage in dialogue, but discussions must take place in an atmosphere of mutual respect and without coercion,” he added.
The ambassador acknowledged assistance from China, Russia and Mexico during Cuba’s recent economic and energy difficulties, noting that Russia had supplied oil shipments while other partners had supported energy-related projects. He added that Cuba is also pursuing domestic reforms, including economic liberalisation measures aimed at attracting foreign investment.
Expressing confidence that the international community would once again overwhelmingly support Cuba at the upcoming UN General Assembly vote, the ambassador described the annual vote as a symbol of global opposition to unilateral coercive measures and support for multilateralism.
Concluding the briefing, he urged journalists to continue highlighting the humanitarian impact of the embargo and to strengthen people-to-people ties between the two countries. “The friendship between Pakistan and Cuba remains strong and continues to grow. We are grateful for Pakistan’s support and look forward to further expanding cooperation in education, healthcare, diplomacy and international affairs,” he said.
