A statement issued by the Guyanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs recalled the beginning of diplomatic relations in 1972, along with Jamaica, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago, an event that marked a defining moment in the course of hemispheric relations, the communiqué stated.

It noted the beginning of the end of Cuba’s isolation in this hemisphere.

Cuba currently enjoys normal relations with almost all countries of the hemisphere and its active contributions have been fundamental to progress in many countries of the region, including Guyana, it added. Guyana strongly supports the Cuban people in their longstanding struggle to end the economic, commercial, and financial blockade that the United States has imposed for more than six decades against Cuba, the statement underscored.

We renew our call to end this policy and reaffirm our conviction that normalizing relations between the United States and Cuba will contribute to peace, stability, and development in the Americas.

The statement from the Guyanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation also appreciated the sustained and unconditional work done by successive Cuban medical brigades, which made an invaluable contribution to the health care of thousands of Guyanese citizens.

Guyanese students received scholarships to study in several universities in Cuba.

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