Permanent Representative of the Republic of Iraq Delivers Statement on Behalf of the Group of 77 and China before the General Assembly on Ending the Embargo Imposed on Cuba

New York, 28 October 2025

The Permanent Representative of the Republic of Iraq to the United Nations Ambassador Lukman Al-Faily delivered, on 28 October 2025, the statement of the Group of 77 and China before the United Nations General Assembly under agenda item (38) entitled “Necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba.”

In his statement, the Permanent Representative expressed the Group’s deep regret over the continued imposition of the embargo on Cuba for more than six decades, stressing that it remains the main obstacle to the normalization of relations between the two countries. He also expressed grave concern over the extraterritorial nature of the U.S. measures.

On behalf of the Group, he called for the immediate removal of Cuba from the U.S. Department of State’s so-called list of State Sponsors of Terrorism, emphasizing that Cuba is an active and reliable partner in advancing South-South cooperation and has made significant contributions to strengthening the scientific and technical capacities of many developing countries.

The statement reaffirmed the Group’s commitment to the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, in particular respect for the sovereignty and equality of States and non-interference in their internal affairs. It further called for the lifting of all unilateral economic, commercial, and financial measures imposed on Cuba, which are inconsistent with international law and the Charter of the United Nations.

The statement also highlighted the wide-ranging negative impacts of the embargo on the Cuban economy and the living conditions of the Cuban people, noting that these measures affect key sectors such as health, nutrition, agriculture, tourism, and banking, and hinder the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. It also commended Cuba’s humanitarian and medical role within international cooperation frameworks, which has helped save millions of lives around the world.

In conclusion, the Group of 77 and China reiterated its support for draft resolution A/80/L.6 and called on the international community to intensify efforts to end the U.S. embargo on Cuba, in affirmation of the principles of justice, equality, and respect for national sovereignty.

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