During the meeting the two leaders reviewed the cooperation Cuba provides this sister country in various sectors, and Raúl reiterated Cuba’s commitment to continue supporting Haiti’s recovery and development. They emphasized the good condition of bilateral relations, and discussed regional as well as international issues of mutual interest.

Accompanying the distinguished guest were Haitian Foreign Minister Pierrot Delienne and business attaché Geri Benoit.

Also attending on the Cuban side was Marcelino Medina González, first deputy foreign minister.

Since it’s founding the Organization of American States (OAS) was, is and will continue to be an instrument of imperialist domination and no reform can change its nature. This is why Cuba will never join the OAS, stated Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, President of the Councils of State and Ministers of Cuba, on inaugurating the High Level Segment of the 7th Summit of the Association of Caribbean States, in Havana’s Palace of the Revolution.

There are challenges we must face. We can not remain indifferent to the unrest which is occurring in Latin America, in the face of attacks by the oligarchy against progressive governments. “This is a threat to peace and stability,” stated the Cuban leader.
“The situation demands that the principles outlined in the Proclamation of Latin America as a Zone of Peace, adopted during the 2nd CELAC Summit in Havana, be reviewed and upheld.” We must demand that other countries, in their relations with our nations, respect these principles, he added.

The principles of the Proclamation include the commitment to non-interference in the internal affairs of states, promoting ties of friendship, tolerance, peaceful coexistence, respect for the inalienable right of all states to choose their political and social systems. “These are vital considerations for coexistence.”

Raúl also ratified Cuba’s solidarity with the sister people of Venezuela, the legitimate government of President Nicolás Maduro and Bolivarian Revolution, initiated by Hugo Chávez, which is currently suffering destabilization attempts by the right wing.

During his speech Raúl commented that over recent years the ACS has focused its efforts on promoting cooperation in strategic areas, which has seen positive results and must continue to be developed, he noted. The Cuban President also emphasized that “another priority issue is sovereignty over our natural resources which are the guarantee for the future and source of wealth for our peoples.”

We defend the principle that irrational modes of production and consumption must be changed, and stress that such a feat requires the political will of industrialized nations, he stated.

Raúl noted that weather events associated with climate change cause severe economic and human losses, stating that cooperation in the area of disaster preparedness must be prioritized in the 2016-2018 Action Plan.

The Cuban President highlighted that the island is interested in expanding and strengthening cooperation ties with other Caribbean nations in the sphere of tourism.

Raúl highlighted the achievements and regional challenges – which include the difficulty and high cost of air and maritime connectivity – outlined in the Declaration of Petion Ville, Haiti, which he noted “compel us to find solutions for all.

(Granma)