Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov calls for US to drop naval blockade plans against Cuba and engage in dialogue, reaffirming strong bilateral ties.

MOSCOW: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov urged the United States to abandon plans for a naval blockade against Cuba and pursue negotiations instead. He made the remarks during talks with his Cuban counterpart, Bruno Rodriguez, in Moscow.

Lavrov hailed Cuba as a “brotherly nation” and called for Washington to show “common sense and responsibility”. He stated that Russia, alongside most of the international community, categorically rejects US accusations that Moscow-Havana cooperation poses a threat.

“We categorically reject the unfounded accusations against Russia and Cuba and our cooperation, which allegedly pose a threat to the interests of the United States or anyone else,” Lavrov said. He emphasised that any differences should be resolved through “mutually-respectful dialogue”.

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Rodriguez was also scheduled to hold further discussions with President Vladimir Putin later. The talks underscore deepening ties between Moscow and Havana amid ongoing US sanctions.

Russia has pledged to help Cuba withstand US economic pressure, particularly efforts to restrict its oil supplies. Moscow’s ambassador to Cuba indicated this month that Russia would likely continue providing oil, though specific details remain undisclosed.

Lavrov asserted that Cuba is prepared for “honest negotiations” with the United States. The diplomatic meeting reinforces Russia’s strategic support for Cuba against longstanding American policies.

 The Sun Malaysia