UN General Assembly
2015

Turning now to Solomon Islands’s relations with Cuba, we thank that fellow small island developing State for training more than 100 Solomon Islands medical students. To date, 44 doctors have graduated from medical schools in Cuba and are now back in the country. I thank Cuba for its solidarity and support to Solomon Islands. Two months ago, Solomon Islands joined the international community in celebrating a new era of relations between Cuba and United States of America. 15-29664 23/25 A/70/PV.23 01/10/2015 The restoration of relations, after 54 years, presents a new beginning for the United States to reconstruct its relations with Cuba, based on mutual respect for national sovereignty and the freedom of international trade and navigation. We welcome President Obama’s progressive easing of restrictions on Cuba. However, more needs to be done. We call for the total lifting of the economic, commercial and financial embargo on Cuba, so as to normalize relations between the two States, which are a mere 90 miles apart.