From Cuba, we extend fraternal greetings to the people and Government of Russia, hosts of this Council session taking place in Saint Petersburg, a city for which we hold special affection and with which we have expanded ties in various fields, thanks to the valuable contribution of its Governor, Alexander Beglov, whom we recently had the honor of receiving in Havana.

We extend special recognition to the Pro Tempore Presidency of Belarus for its positive and tangible work at the helm of the Union's Governing Bodies during this year.

Cuba's participation in this Council holds special significance, as it marks the fifth anniversary of receiving Observer State status in the Eurasian Economic Union—a young but vigorous grouping since its inception, composed of nations with which we share historical and fraternal bonds, and with whom we share principles, values, and visions for building a more just and equitable international order.

Five years ago, we not only formalized a bond; we also opened a strategic chapter of dialogue and rapprochement, for a future of greater exchange, integration, and cooperation.

Facing a complex global scenario marked by unilateralism, disregard for multilateral institutions, and transgression of the UN Charter and principles of International Law—where unilateral coercive measures persist, seeking to suffocate economies and punish entire peoples—the alliance between our nations stands as a bastion of multilateralism, consensus, cooperation, and dialogue.

Cuba vigorously rejects these illegal practices and deeply appreciates the support provided once again by all Union countries to the Resolution demanding an end to the intensified U.S. economic, commercial, and financial blockade against our country, approved by an overwhelming majority in the United Nations General Assembly, despite unprecedented pressure exerted by the current U.S. government.

Esteemed Colleagues:

To the enormous challenges already facing humanity, we must add the new U.S. National Security Strategy and the so-called "Trump Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine." In a blatant manner, the U.S. government attempts to impose the idea that the Western Hemisphere is its exclusive zone of influence and the aberrant concept of "peace through force."

All this violates the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and International Law, as well as the Proclamation of Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace.

Cuba has denounced and alerted the international community about the dangerous and threatening military escalation in the Caribbean by the U.S. government. This aeronaval deployment in the region and the threat of military aggression against Venezuela reveal the imperial, hegemonic, and criminal purpose of the Administration currently occupying the White House.

We reaffirm here our solidarity with the sister Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and our strongest rejection of the act of piracy and maritime terrorism against a vessel off the Venezuelan coast by the U.S. government.

Esteemed Heads of Delegations:

This five-year period as observers in the Eurasian Economic Union allows us to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of what its link with the Union has meant for Cuba and the progress achieved thus far, in the aspiration to achieve broader and more effective collaboration.

We reaffirm the alignment of our positions in defense of a new global commercial and financial order, more just, equitable, and favorable for the development of our countries, especially for cooperation and exchange among nations of the South.

Likewise, we appreciate the opportunities and potential of the medium- and long-term objectives of the Eurasian Economic Union, reflected in the "Eurasian Economic Way" declaration, which grants a central role to science and innovation—elements also prioritized by Cuba in its National Economic and Social Development Plan.

The successful holding in late November of the fourth Session of the Joint Commission for Cooperation between the Eurasian Economic Commission and the Government of the Republic of Cuba, within the framework of the Havana International Fair, FIHAV 2025, provided an opportunity to objectively examine the main results and, above all, to project common objectives.

We noted the high degree of compliance with the actions agreed upon in the Joint Collaboration Plan for the 2021-2025 period and advanced in the conception of the next plan, covering the 2026-2030 period, including the Roadmap for its implementation. We have identified potential for concrete, mutually beneficial projects in sectors such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, tourism, industry, and transport.

This momentum coincides with a process of internal transformations that our Government is undertaking to correct distortions and reinvigorate the economy. Among its main lines, it seeks to create a more attractive, secure, and dynamic environment for foreign investment. In this context, we wish for capital from the countries of this Union to find in Cuba a reliable partner and fertile ground for business, to mutual benefit.

Excellencies:

In these five years of joint work, we have advanced in evaluating real possibilities and concrete areas of complementarity between our economies, highlighting:

The biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry, whose capacities developed by Cuba offer possibilities for strategic alliances, combined with the financing, technologies, and market of the Eurasian space.
The creation of a Logistics Hub and the opportunities of the Mariel Special Development Zone, based on Cuba's geographical position and its integration into regional mechanisms, representing an opportunity for trade between the Union and Latin America and the Caribbean.
The development of tourism, including health and corporate tourism.
Cultural, academic, and also sports exchange. In the latter, we offer Cuba's experience in sports services, the capacity of its specialized medicine in that sector, and facilities for organizing events and training bases.
The direct relationship between business circles of the Eurasian Economic Union Member States and their Cuban counterparts, to expand trade, attract investments, and diversify collaboration sectors, based on identifying common interests. In this regard, we appreciate the invitation to participate in the Economic Forum to be held in Kazakhstan next year.

Mr. President:

Cuba has closely followed the significant results achieved by the Union in all spheres in recent years. These confirm that it is a successful and reference-worthy project, as a process of integration and economic and social development for the Eurasian region. Its advances are expressed in economic growth, technological development, and the strengthening of its own commercial and logistical ties, in a context of great transformations in economic relations at the global level.

From its status as an Observer State, Cuba reiterates its desire for greater participation in the Union's mechanisms and aspires to the strengthening of this membership category to maximize countries' contributions to the development of the Eurasian Economic Union.

On behalf of the Cuban people and government, I convey the most sincere wishes for success to the next Pro Tempore Presidency of Kazakhstan, and especially to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

I extend the warmest congratulations and best wishes for health, peace, and prosperity for your nations in the new year, in which we aspire for our ties to continue growing and contributing to the benefit of our countries.

Thank you very much.