When asked about the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States against Cuba for more than six decades, the president recalled the position against that siege expressed by his country in various international forums.

There has to be an opening towards Cuba and we agree on that, we have the best commercial and all kinds of relations, and I believe that there has to be an opening of the international community, the head of state remarked during a press conference after speaking at the Summit of the Group of 77 (G77) and China that is being held today and tomorrow at the Havana Convention Palace.

According to Abinader, there is a close link between his government and the Cuban government, and also a personal link between him and his counterpart Miguel Díaz-Canel, but he considered that these relations could be strengthened even further.

He highlighted that the area of higher education has traditionally shown good collaboration between both countries, with the presence of Dominican students on the largest island of the Antilles, and advocated strengthening these types of ties in sectors such as biotechnology, the pharmaceutical industry and tourism.

Regarding his participation in the G77 and China Summit, he is very happy to be in Cuba to take part in this meeting, in which he spoke about the need to promote an innovative culture based on education and technology.

During the speech given at the plenary session of the event, he explained that his country recognizes the importance of technology as an engine of economic growth and social well-being and, therefore, the National Innovation Policy 2030 establishes a solid framework to promote research and development, encourage collaboration between the public and private sectors, in addition to promoting the formation of highly trained human capital in science and technology.

He expressed the conviction that only through investment in knowledge and research can we move towards a more competitive and diversified economy.

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