During his speech at the high-level meeting on resources mobilization for SIDS, in Antigua and Barbuda, he stressed that the challenges presented are exacerbated exponentially for Cuba, due to the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States for more than six decades.

Also due to the country’s arbitrary inclusion in the unilateral list of alleged state sponsors of terrorism, he added.

The Cuban vice president indicated that in the current context, comprehensively addressing the finance deficit will require, among other actions: recapitalizing the Multilateral Development Banks and improving their loaning conditions.

Furthermore, it is necessary to fulfill, once and for all, the commitment of first world countries to Official Development Assistance, through allocations based on vulnerabilities, not just income, he noted.

He added that it is important to define SIDS’ access to concessional financing and technical cooperation and to comprehensively review the International Monetary Fund’s surcharge policy, including its suspension, significant permanent reduction or elimination.

In relation to this, he mentioned another action: implementing a specific service to support the sustainability of the debt of these countries, involving multilateral, official bilateral and private creditors, under the auspices of the United Nations.

The only viable solution lies in rethinking the unjust and unequal international economic order and the current bases that define North-South relations and life on the planet, he said.

During the day, he also held a meeting with the Foreign Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Douglas Denzil, during which he highlighted the excellent state of bilateral relations, based on friendship and cooperation.

Valdés Mesa is leading a delegation from Cuba to the IV International Conference of SIDS, which brings together senior dignitaries until Thursday, to discuss the priorities and objectives in terms of progress and sustainability for this specific category of countries, of which Cuba is a part.

At the same time, the Cuban vice president is making an official visit and, as part of the bilateral program, he holds meetings with country authorities, representatives of solidarity, Cuban residents and aid workers.