The sixth Caribbean Association International Cooperation Conference opens in Havana

The sixth Association of Caribbean States (ACS) International Cooperation Conference opened in Havana on Thursday, with the main goal of discussing transformation and innovation in the Caribbean region.

The first session was attended by the President of Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez; the President of the ACS Council of Ministers, Mario Adolfo Bucaro; and the Secretary-General of the organization, Rodolfo Sabango.

Cuban Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment Rodrigo Malmierca stressed that cooperation is crucial for the integrated development of countries.

“It is hoped that this conference will provide a realistic opportunity to promote regional integration and sustainable development of all peoples,” he said.

Malmierca ensured that Cuba had a complete legal framework for international cooperation.

6th Association of Caribbean States International Cooperation Conference. Photo: Enrique González (Enro)/ Cubadebate.

The Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Association of Caribbean States, Mario Adolfo Bucaro, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Guatemala, thanked Cuba for hosting the meeting.

We must work towards regional dialogue and multilateralism to bring food to our people, he commented.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Adriana Bolaños, Director of ACS Partnerships, said that ACS has launched an ambitious revitalization process with a six-year action plan and specific goals. In this sense, she said, this conference is crucial to achieving these goals.

The association’s secretary general, Rodolfo Sabongo, stressed the importance of implementing projects and programs related to the protection and conservation of the Caribbean Sea, disaster risk reduction, economic integration of the Greater Caribbean region and sustainable tourism.

ALBA-TCP Executive Secretary Sasha Laurenti noted that the alliance and ACS share common ground on many issues, including trade, sustainable tourism and disaster risk reduction.

Likewise, he condemned the coercive unilateral measures taken by the United States against the countries of the Bolivarian Alliance for our America.

Over two days, representatives of the alliance’s member states will establish a Caribbean economic integration alliance, particularly in the areas of trade, transportation, sustainable tourism and response to natural disasters.

(Andy Jorge Blanco, Enrique Gonzalez Diaz (Anlo))