Asia-Pacific conference serves as symbol of solidarity with Cuba

The 7th Asia-Pacific Regional Conference of Solidarity with Cuba in Hanoi has completed its agenda and become a new symbol of solidarity.

President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO) Vu Xuan Hong made the statement closing the two-day conference on September 9.

Fostering ties with the largest island in the Caribbean Sea, 220 delegates representing 18 countries shared valuable experience and proposed a range of communications initiatives.

A highlight of the event is the adoption of the Hanoi Declaration, stating that “defending Cuba will keep alive the hope that a better world is possible”.

It strongly rejects all acts and measures contrary to international law, such as the illegal economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed upon Cuba by the government of the United States for more than five decades, and calls for the immediate lifting of the barrier.

It also recognises the historic significance of the announcement by Cuban President Raul Castro and US President Barack Obama on the restoration of diplomatic relations between Cuba and the United States and the reopening of embassies in the capitals of the two countries.

Through the declaration, participants also expressed their firm solidarity with Vietnamese people for their efforts in defending national independence and sovereignty and for a peaceful and stable regional environment.-VNA