Deputy Prime Minister Óscar Pérez-Oliva presented the Friendship Medal today to the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations System in Cuba, Francisco Pichón, honoring his contributions to the country's development.

Presidential Decree No. 1279, issued on August 31, conferred the distinction upon the diplomat in recognition of his support for the Cuban people and his commitment to international cooperation, as specified by the Caribbean nation's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on its website.

During the ceremony, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Anayansi Rodríguez highlighted Pichón's "seriousness, sensitivity, and tireless efforts" to mobilize resources in response to the energy contingency and the damage caused by Hurricane Melissa.

Rodríguez also emphasized his "firm and systematic condemnation of the blockade and its impact on the work of UN agencies" in Cuba.

For his part, Pichón expressed his gratitude for the recognition and for the support provided by Cuban authorities during his tenure leading the United Nations Country Team.

The ceremony was attended by members of the Board of Directors of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment, officials and executives from the Foreign Ministry, as well as members of the UN Country Team in Cuba and representatives of civil society.