After receiving the UNGA chief at the headquarters of the Council of State on Friday, Diaz-Canel stressed on national television the need to defend these positions given the complexity of relations and especially the post-pandemic panorama that the world is currently experiencing.

Francis, in turn, underscored that Cuba has great importance to the Caribbean and the whole world due to its culture, history, and identity. He also described the Cuban people as a “great people.”

The diplomat, from Trinidad and Tobago, told reporters that he had long been looking forward to this visit and was familiar with the warmth and hospitality of the Cuban people.

Dennis Francis appreciated Cuba’s role in the United Nations and its performance in leading the G77+China.

The UNGA president said, “Cuba has been working to promote international peace and security, human rights, development, women’s and children’s rights, and the sustainable development goals, among others.”

Francis also met with Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez and paid tribute to National Hero Jose Marti at Revolution Square.

The visitor also gave a master lecture entitled “Cuba and Multilateralism: Opportunities and Challenges” at the Main Lecture Hall of the University of Havana.

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