In brief
At the 30th Ibero‑American Summit in Madrid, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez de Castro condemned the United States’ expanded sanctions, describing them as an “energy blockade” and “infinite levels of collective punishment.” He urged regional cooperation to counter these measures, while Cuban President Miguel Díaz‑Canel highlighted the Foreign Minister’s remarks on social media. The speech underscored the impact on individuals and businesses seeking to trade with Cuba and called for solidarity within the Ibero‑American community.
At the 30th Ibero‑American Summit in Madrid, Spain, from Nov. 4‑5, Cuban officials delivered a scathing criticism of intensified U.S. sanctions against the island, labeling them an “energy blockade” and describing the regime’s actions as a form of “infinite levels of collective punishment.”
President Miguel Díaz‑Canel announced on social media that Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez de Castro would address the summit, after which Rodríguez delivered the condemnation of the United States as “the obsessive war of economic strangulation against Cuba.”
“The United States has pushed its obsessive war of economic strangulation against Cuba to inhumane levels of collective punishment,” said Rodríguez, referring to the tighter embargo, the energy blockade it regards as a naval blockade, and secondary sanctions aimed at individuals and companies attempting to trade with the island.
In his remarks, Rodríguez reiterated Cuba’s commitment to Ibero‑American cooperation based on equality, sovereignty and mutual respect, noting that the bloc’s pro tempore secretariat will be held by Honduras. He emphasized the importance of advancing joint projects, sharing knowledge and pursuing common sustainable development solutions.
Rodríguez called for action in line with the founding principles of the Ibero‑American Community to counter arbitrary sanctions and the abuse of power. He urged regional members to stand together against what Cuba sees as a grave violation of international norms.
