ISLAMABAD, DEC 29 (DNA) –The Ambassador of Cuba Gabriel Tiel Capote has said January 1, 1959 marked the beginning of a new stage in Cuba and the conclusion of our battle for independence to become a free and sovereign country.
He said, in these 58 years, Cuba has demonstrated that it is capable of achieving great success, as evidenced by achievements in education, public health.
Social security, culture, sports and scientific and technical development, recognized throughout the world. He has also shared his modest progress with other needy peoples.
Cuba has not escaped the global economic crisis, deficiencies persist but the Cuban people have known and will succeed in their great effort.
Cuba he said extends its sincere gratitude to the Government and people of Pakistan for their continued support in the annual United Nations General Assembly vote calling for an end to the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States of America, still in force.
“We cannot forget the negative effects that this measure causes to our economy and the development of our country. An example of this is that Cuba is still unable to conduct international transactions in US dollars, which prevents the advance of multiple and important future businesses”.
He said, this year we have celebrated the 61st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and 11th of the presence of the Cuban Medical Brigade following the terrible earthquake that hit Pakistan in 2005.
Moreover, Cuban medical schools have graduated more than 950 doctors Pakistanis with sufficient capacity to provide the necessary medical care to the Pakistani people. We cannot forget the noble gesture of the Prime Minister, on behalf of the Pakistani people, to offer a gift of 15,000 tons of rice to the Cuban people, a ceremony that took place last October 14th.
Despite geographical distance, Cuba and Pakistan maintain excellent relations based on friendship and mutual cooperation, and we hope that earlier than later, economic-trade relations can be successfully developed for the benefit of both countries he added.
The demise of the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro Ruz, on November 25, has been painfully sad for our people.
“I would therefore like to take this opportunity to thank the authorities and the people of Pakistan, our friends and the media for their affection and solidarity towards our commander-in-chief”.
The Cuban economy, foresee for the next year an increase of the Gross Domestic Product in the environment of 2% against a decrease of 0, 9% in 2016, which is very flattering.
The Cuban ambassador further said, the proposal of the 2017 investment plan has as its principles to support the priority programs and investments that include the tourism development program of Havana, Varadero, the northern coast of Holguin, and the infrastructure of the Special Development Zone of Mariel. Its gradual rise continues not only in the aspects indicated but also in the defense of its sovereignty, dignity and independence.
Finally, I would like to express my warmest greetings to the Pakistani people, with the desire to put an end to the arms race and that peace prevails on the planet, to enjoy the happiness and prosperity we all deserve for this upcoming New Year 2017. =DNA
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