U.S. blockade aims to isolate Cuba, says Envoy, seeking stronger ties with BRICS financial system Today World News

Ahead of a crucial vote at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) condemning the U.S.-imposed economic and financial blockade of Cuba, the Cuban envoy in New Delhi said the blockade imposed by the Trump administration is “the most painful” for Cuba and that his country would like to explore possibilities of greater financial integration with the BRICS economies.

“The U.S. blockade aims to isolate Cuba and discourage investors and businessmen from travelling to the country. Earlier, we had around one million tourists every year, but now barely three hundred thousand visit. On October 28-29, we will submit this resolution to the UN General Assembly,” said Ambassador Juan Carlos Marsán Aguilera at a press conference at the Press Club of India.

“Had the blockade and trade restrictions not prevented U.S. tourists from travelling to Cuba, our country would receive 1-2 million U.S. visitors every year, representing nearly $2 billion in revenue for the Cuban economy,” said Mr. Aguilera, explaining that the blockade imposed by the United States prevents tourists and businesspeople from entering Cuba, as Cuban immigration stamps can create difficulties for travellers seeking entry into the U.S.

Mr. Aguilera said the Trump administration has heightened tensions between the U.S. and Cuba by including Cuba on the list of state sponsors of terrorism, adding, “We want an end to the unfair trade practices of the United States that are causing extreme pain for us. For decades, it is the United States that has sponsored terror attacks targeting Cuba.”

He further said that Cuba is considering strengthening relations with BRICS member states, especially on the financial front. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had met Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez on July 6, on the sidelines of the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, where both sides discussed strengthening cooperation in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, Ayurveda, Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), and the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). Mr. Aguilera also said that Cuba is considering adopting India’s UPI system, which could attract Indian investments and tourists to the country.