The Cuban minister, on behalf of the Group of 77+China, defended the right of the LDCs to receive international assistance, especially from the most developed nations.

He reaffirmed Cuba’s commitment to the LDCs to help overcome the obstacles to sustainable development, so that none of the members is left behind.

In his capacity as head of the Cuban delegation participating in the meeting, Malmierca denounced the economic, commercial and financial blockade that the United States has imposed on his country for more than six decades.

According to the United Nations, this meeting, which was postponed twice during the Covid-19 pandemic, is a unique opportunity to speed up sustainable development in places where international aid is most needed, and to take advantage of the full potential of the least developed countries, helping them advance on the path to prosperity.

Presidents and ministers from 33 African countries and 12 nations from Asia-Pacific, plus Haiti and Cuba, who represent the G-77+China as pro tempore president of the bloc, are attending the conference.

The LDC category was officially established in 1971 by the United Nations General Assembly to attract special international support for the most vulnerable and disadvantaged members.

jg/mem/mpp