[:es] Raul Castro Returns Home after Visiting Antigua and Barbuda[:]

On Saturday, during a special session of the Assembly of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), held in Antigua and Barbuda, the president repeated Cuba’s support for the nations of the region.

‘I reaffirm that Cuba’s will to continue to share with the Caribbean brothers the benefits of our modest achievements in terms of adaptation to climate change and in the reduction of disaster risks,’ said the Cuban head of State.

‘We assume it as the duty that unites brother peoples. The Caribbean can always count on Cuba. It has been and will be that way,’ assured Raul Castro, adding that the principles of respect and solidarity will continue to be the essential values of relations.

The Cuban president thanked the Assembly of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States for the tribute paid to the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro, at the beginning of the special session.

According to Cuban television, several regional leaders were present on that occasion, as well as Cuban collaborators who are rendering their services in Antigua and Barbuda.

On Saturday, Raul Castro paid an official visit to Antigua and Barbuda, during which he met with Prime Minister Gaston Browne.

After official talks, the two leaders signed a joint declaration on friendship and cooperation in which they repeated their concern about the negative effects of natural disasters, and reaffirmed the proclamation of Latin America and the Caribbean as a zone of peace.

They also condemned the acts of terrorism and the economic, financial and commercial blockade imposed by the United States on Cuba.

Raul Castro also paid a courtesy visit to the governor general of Antigua and Barbuda, Rodney Williams, and met with former Prime Minister and Lawmaker Baldwin Spencer.

The Cuban president’s visit took place a day after participating in the 6th CARICOM-Cuba Summit, at which he ratified to the representatives of all 14 member countries that the Caribbean can always count on Cuba’s friendship.

At the end of the meeting, Raul Castro met separately with his counterpart from Suriname, Desiré Delano Bouterse, Antigua’s prime minister, and Jamaican Senate Speaker Thomas Tavares-Finson. (Prensa Latina)