Lavrov pointed out that in spite of the nearly unanimous support from the international community for the resolution presented by Cuba at the United Nations to denounce the economic blockade, Washington maintains that policy.

The head of Russian diplomacy affirmed that the West is trying to prevent the formation of a multipolar world in every possible way, through threats, the use of force and unilateral punitive measures, of which Cuba has been a victim, he said.

We advocate for mobilizing the international community in solidarity with Cuba and we will seek compliance with the principles set forth in the UN Charter, including respect for the sovereignty of States, the Russian foreign minister said at the beginning of official talks.

Lavrov expressed his intention to discuss with Rodriguez the development of multilateral relations between the two States.

The Cuban diplomat, in turn, pointed out that Lavrov’s visit is one more step in the strengthening of Cuba’s exchange with the Russian Federation which we appreciate as a close ally with which we have historic relations.

His presence here reaffirms the close ties between the two countries that have many coincidences in aspects of the international arena, said Rodriguez, who thanked Moscow for its actions of solidarity with Cuba, he noted. Earlier, Lavrov laid a wreath at the José Martí Memorial in this capital, as part of his agenda in Cuba, the first stopover in his Latin American tour, which also includes visiting Venezuela and his participation in the meeting of foreign ministers of the Group of 20 in Rio de Janeiro.

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